School Librarian

TES FE News; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

An independent girls' school is seeking a passionate School Librarian to inspire a love of reading among students. You will manage library operations and curate diverse collections while organizing literacy events. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and experience in a school library setting. This fixed-term, term-time role offers a competitive hourly rate and a nurturing work environment in Bournemouth.

Benefits

Complimentary lunch daily

Discounted sports club membership

Use of on-site swimming pool

Access to gym facilities

Discount on school fees for children

Qualifications

• Ability to inspire a lifelong love of literature in students.
• Strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.
• Ability to engage and support students effectively.

Responsibilities

• Curate engaging and diverse collections.
• Organize literacy events.
• Guide students in their independent learning.
• Manage the day-to-day running of the library.

Skills

Passionate about books and reading

Experienced in managing a school library

Excellent communication skills

Organised and proactive

Team collaboration

Tools

Accessit

Job description

Overview

At Talbot Heath, we believe that nothing is beyond reach. We are an extraordinary school where girls are empowered to be curious, compassionate, and courageous, embodying our motto: Curious Minds, Generous Hearts, Adventurous Spirits. From the age of two, our girls begin a transformative journey that nurtures their integrity, compassion, and ambition—values rooted in our founder’s vision of Honour before Honours.

Our unique, girls-only environment allows young women to thrive, free from societal constraints, fostering an atmosphere where intellectual curiosity, emotional well-being, and personal growth are cultivated. With a reputation for innovative thinking and an interdisciplinary curriculum, Talbot Heath encourages girls to explore creativity and deep thinking in an exciting and different way of learning.

We are currently seeking a School Librarian – a literary enthusiast who will inspire our students to develop a lifelong love of reading and equip them with the research skills needed to excel academically. This fixed-term role (until the end of the academic year) is ideal for someone with a passion for books, strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, and the ability to engage and support students effectively.

As the School Librarian at Talbot Heath, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational experience of our students by curating engaging and diverse collections, organising literacy events, and guiding students in their independent learning. You will manage the day-to-day running of the library, champion a culture of curiosity and creativity, and work closely with staff to ensure the library remains a vibrant and accessible resource for all. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to be part of our school community and inspire the next generation of readers.

The Successful Candidate Will Be

• Passionate about books and reading, with the ability to inspire a lifelong love of literature in students of all ages.
• Experienced in managing a school library, including curating collections, organising events, and supporting independent study.
• An excellent communicator, approachable and supportive, with strong interpersonal skills to engage students and staff alike.
• Organised and proactive, able to manage resources, systems (such as Accessit), and multiple priorities effectively.
• A collaborative team member, committed to contributing to the wider school community and fostering a culture of curiosity and learning.

About Talbot Heath

• A leading independent school in Dorset, offering girls aged 2–18 an outstanding education.
• Beautiful woodland campus located close to Dorset’s stunning coastline.
• Selective school with excellent academic results at both GCSE and A Level.
• Renowned for its strong pastoral care system where the well-being and happiness of each student is paramount.

Position Details

Position: Fixed term (until the end of the academic year), term-time only.

Hours: Monday to Friday 9.15 am to 4.00 pm (30 minutes for lunch), 30.75 hours per week

Salary: £13.20 per hour (£16,885.44 FTE £25,740)

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Application Deadline: The role will be closed when the vacancy has been fulfilled.

Further Details

For further information contact Andrea Pittam, HR Manager at [e-mail] 01202 761881.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the advert early if we find the right candidate before the stated deadline. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

What We Offer

• Talbot Heath School is an independent girls' school for ages 2-18, situated in beautiful woodland grounds in Bournemouth. You will benefit from working in a peaceful environment, just a short distance from the town centre, with free on-site parking.
• Complimentary lunch provided daily in our staff dining room, featuring a freshly cooked hot meal and a salad bar.
• Discounted membership to the nearby West Hants Club, offering access to excellent sports and recreational facilities.
• Complimentary use of our on-site swimming pool during the Sunday staff session.
• Complimentary access to our on-site gym facilities.
• Discount on school fees for your children, subject to the school’s admission process and fee remission policy.
• Complimentary after-school childcare for staff with children in Kindergarten and above.
• 50% discount on Supercamps Holiday Clubs for Talbot Heath staff.
• Occupational sick pay scheme.
• Company stakeholder pension scheme.

Talbot Heath School is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK. This evidence must be produced at the interview stage of the process.

Talbot Heath School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and has an Equal Opportunity Policy. The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check.

This position will involve regular contact with children and therefore is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exemptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. It is an offence to apply for this role if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Talbot Heath is a registered charity (number 283708) existing to provide high quality education for children.