Library Assistant

The Independent Schools Council; Hampshire (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a full-time Library Assistant to support the vibrant learning community. This role involves overseeing library operations, guiding pupils in research and study, and maintaining an engaging library environment. Ideal candidates will have a passion for reading and effective people skills, contributing positively to the academic success of students.

Qualifications

• Previous library experience preferred, but newly qualified candidates welcome.
• Enthusiastic about working with young people.
• Able to support pupils in developing effective study skills.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of library functions and spaces.
• Supervise pupils in library spaces and foster effective learning.
• Collaborate with other school libraries and assist with events.

Skills

Enthusiasm for reading

Good people skills

Support for research skills

Job description

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

We are seeking a full-time, term-time Library Assistant to join our Library team.

The School Library makes a central contribution to the vibrancy and success of the academic community at PGS, serving the needs of education and scholarship amongst pupils and staff, and helping to create a culture which promotes research and library usage for all.

The Library Assistant will be responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day operation of all the Library’s functions and spaces, which are widely used by the whole school community.

The Library has four diverse and well-resourced learning spaces including the Memorial Library, Main Library and Project Room in the former Cambridge Barracks and the Wilkie Library in the Sixth Form Centre which incorporates bespoke ICT facilities to complement independent learning.

Although not essential, previous library experience is preferred. This opportunity may also suit a newly qualified entrant to Librarianship. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about working with young people, keen to share their knowledge and love of reading and literature and able to help pupils develop effective study skills and research techniques. This is very much a ‘front of house’ role involving the supervision of pupils in the library spaces and effective behaviour for learning and study and good people skills are essential.

There will be the opportunity to support pupils with developing their wider research-orientated study skills and learning dispositions, including supporting them in the production of Extended Project Qualifications, other internal independent research projects, certain subject-specific IGCSE and A Level coursework and Sixth Form UCAS applications where appropriate.

There will also be opportunities to work collaboratively with the Pre-School and Junior School libraries and assist with events to welcome younger pupils into the Senior School libraries.

This is a term-time only position, to include attendance at all Professional Development Days (INSET) in the school calendar. During PGS school terms the hours of work will be 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 16.30 with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch each day. Flexibility to work additional hours at busy times would be appreciated but is not essential.

The start date will be 1st September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to the notice period of the successful candidate and all necessary pre-appointment checks being completed.

How to apply:

Candidates are asked to apply using the online form linked to our advert on www.tes.com

Any enquires about the role or how to apply are welcome at [e-mail]

The closing date is midday on Wednesday 25th June 2025 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site during w/c 30th June 2025.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are ‘spent’ unless they are ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.