Art & Design Associate (Prep School)

About Forest Prep School

Following the expansion of the Preparatory School, we are seeking to appoint an exceptional and dynamic teacher to join our outstanding team, from September 2024. 

At Forest Prep, we are passionate about providing a rich educational journey, nurturing empathetic, collaborative, and intellectually agile pupils. Our broad curriculum includes core subjects and diverse disciplines, supporting both academic and personal growth. Co-curricular activities are essential here, offering pupils numerous opportunities to develop their interests and leadership skills.

More than academic excellence, we prepare our pupils for life's next steps. Our engaging curriculum and various activities build confidence, trust, and vital life skills. Our pupils leave us ready to embrace their future with resilience and curiosity.

For a glimpse into Forest Prep's vibrant community, please take a look around our website at https://www.forest.org.uk/prep. Forest Prep is a remarkable school, and we seek remarkable people. 

We are excited about you potentially joining our team and look forward to your hearing from you. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests, Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’

Forest invests heavily in the development of pedagogy, teaching and learning, with all teachers expected to engage in an ambitious Professional Learning Programme which includes seminars and contact with leading minds in the teaching and learning space; most recently, Forest welcomed Tom Sherrington who presented on curriculum strategy and design. In addition, we are immensely proud of our culture of formative and developmental peer observation and instructional coaching through our Teaching and Learning Communities and StepLab.

As one of the few Independent Schools Induction Panel (ISTIP) regional hubs and training centres in the country, Forest is proud of its success, expertise, and excellence in supporting Early Careers’ Teachers and those new to the profession. We have a rich tradition of developing outstanding teachers and a genuinely supportive approach centred on coaching and mentoring.

Whilst we are rightly proud of our pupils’ outstanding academic successes, we do not let outcome grades solely define the holistic and personal development opportunities encapsulated in a Forest education.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest School:

Key benefits include:   

· A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.

· A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings.

· The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting.

·  Opportunities to benefit from regular and comprehensive Professional Development Review, including access to StepLab, LinkedIn Learning and the National College to support further professional development.  

· The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of Forest’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. In the recent past we have supported staff in developing additional skills in scuba diving, fencing, outdoors survival and even flying in the Combined Cadet Forces.

· Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks).

· Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme.

· An assigned staff laptop.

· Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day.           

· 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13.          

· Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Forest’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility.   

· A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee        

· Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme.       

·  Contribution towards private medical insurance fees.            

·  Membership of a generous pension scheme.

What others say about Forest?

“Forest is a powerhouse with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“Forest takes the broadest view of education, which is fantastic” – Rachel Sylvester, Chair of the Times Education Commission, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Closing Date: 15 November 2024, 12:00 midday

Interviews: w/c 18 November 2024

If you are shortlisted for the role, we carry out an online search.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.