School Librarian (ASAP Start or January 2027)

Principal Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Education in West London is seeking a School Librarian who is organized and enthusiastic to manage the day-to-day running of the school library and create a welcoming space for pupils and staff.

You will oversee borrowing, catalogue resources, support independent learning and work with staff to align reading activities with the curriculum. Start is ASAP or January 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience in a school library or similar educational environment is desirable.
• A genuine passion for reading, literacy and supporting young people's education.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running and organisation of the school library.
• Oversee borrowing/returning of books and maintain accurate records.
• Catalogue and maintain the library's collection of books and resources.
• Encourage pupils to develop positive reading habits and independent learning.
• Support students with research and accessing learning resources.
• Assist students in selecting appropriate books and materials.
• Maintain a calm, welcoming library environment and monitor behaviour.
• Organise reading initiatives, literacy activities and library events.
• Work with teaching staff to support curriculum-related reading and research.
• Update and improve library resources and facilities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Reading promotion

IT skills

Tools

Library management system

Job description

School Librarian

Start Date: ASAP or January 2027
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

We are currently seeking an organised, enthusiastic and dedicated School Librarian to join a welcoming and supportive secondary school in West London.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about reading, literacy and education, and who can create an engaging, welcoming and well-organised library environment for pupils and staff.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school library, encouraging pupils to develop a love of reading, supporting independent learning and ensuring the library remains a valuable resource within the wider school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running and organisation of the school library.
• Oversee the borrowing and returning of books, maintaining accurate library records.
• Catalogue, classify and maintain the library's collection of books and educational resources.
• Encourage pupils to develop positive reading habits and a genuine interest in literature.
• Support pupils with independent research, reading activities and accessing learning resources.
• Assist students in selecting appropriate books and materials suited to their age, interests and reading abilities.
• Maintain a calm, welcoming and purposeful library environment.
• Monitor library behaviour and ensure pupils use the space appropriately.
• Organise and promote reading initiatives, literacy activities and library events.
• Work closely with teaching staff to support curriculum-related reading and research.
• Identify opportunities to update and improve the library's resources and facilities.
• Maintain library displays and ensure resources are accessible, organised and up to date.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience working within a school library, public library or similar educational environment.
• A genuine passion for reading, literacy and supporting young people's education.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with secondary-aged pupils.
• The ability to encourage pupils to engage with reading and independent learning.
• Good IT skills and experience using library management systems would be advantageous.
• The confidence to manage pupil behaviour and maintain an orderly environment.
• A proactive, approachable and flexible attitude.

Previous experience working within a secondary school would be highly advantageous, although candidates with relevant library or educational experience will also be considered.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to play an important role in the wider school community, helping pupils develop their literacy skills, confidence and enjoyment of reading.

You will be joining a supportive school environment where the library plays an important part in pupils' academic development and independent learning.