We are looking for a bright, caring, and enthusiastic individual who will relish the opportunity to become a Junior Class Teacher, working with our very able pupils. They will also take additional responsibility for leading English across the Lower School (Reception to Year 4).
This post has been created as part of the Under School’s expansion, as we also prepare to welcome girls from September 2026. It will also coincide with the first intake of a larger 7+ cohort, making this an exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the Junior Department.
The successful candidate will be part of a friendly team consisting of three Year 3 classes and two Year 4 classes (growing to three Year 4 classes in 2027), each with 20 pupils. The staff body is warm, supportive, and collaborative. A collegiate approach to teaching, planning, and assessment is encouraged and nurtured. Both pupils and staff are exceptionally motivated.
Junior Class Teachers teach a broad range of core subjects including English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, Theology, Philosophy and Religion (TPR), and PSHEE. Pupils work significantly above their chronological age. Specialist teachers take the Junior pupils for subjects including Computing, Games and PE, French, Art, Drama, and Music.
The successful candidate will lead on English across the Lower School. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to help us shape our bespoke English curriculum, from Reception up to and including Year 4, for our very bright young pupils. Our new Head of Lower School English will assume a leading role in determining the choice of quality texts to be taught to our pupils, and shaping the teaching of high-level vocabulary and systematic synthetic phonics. In doing so, the Head of Lower School English will be instrumental in nurturing a love of reading, writing, and oracy at a fundamental stage in the development of our young pupils’ minds.
Main Responsibilities: Line Manager: Deputy Master (Lower School)
The post holder will also report into and work in collaboration with the Head of English, who holds responsibility for English across the whole School.
Teaching and Learning
- Plan, prepare, teach and evaluate lessons, activities and learning and teaching strategies in line with Schemes of Work located on the Intranet and in line with the parallel class teachers.
- Provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which consideration is given to the individual development of all pupils.
- Adapt learning and teaching and associated resources in a manner that challenges and interests the pupils and is appropriate to their needs and skill levels.
- Apply any recommendations and guidance for pupils with specific learning or welfare needs or disabilities, as directed by the SENDCo, or on the pupil’s personalised learning plan.
- Apply, judiciously and where appropriate, IT capability to enhance learning and teaching.
- Contribute to, and maintain consistency with, internal and relevant external marking schedules and moderation procedures.
- Engage pupils fully in the assessment and self-evaluation process.
- Carry out a range of formative assessments of pupils’ attainment to acknowledge and inform progress.
- Record and report on pupil progress and achievements in accordance with the Junior Department’s requirements, including formal reporting points such as parents’ evenings and written reports.
Pastoral care and pupil management
- Put pupils at the centre of everything you do, taking a pastoral interest in pupils around the school environs, so that they feel valued and cared for.
- Monitor the work of class pupils, providing guidance, advice and support, and fostering self-esteem.
- Motivate pupils through praise, while being firm but fair.
- Actively maintain the high standards of behaviour and uniform of pupils in the classroom and in all school locations and activities.
- Write and maintain relevant records for individual pupil files and writing reports.
- Communicate, respond to and consult with parents on a regular basis maintaining records, as appropriate.
- Communicate and consult with other departments or members of staff to implement recommendations, policies or guidance.
All teachers and other staff are expected to:
- Promote and support the School’s Aims and Vision and School Development Plan.
- Adhere to and support the School’s policies and procedures.
- Accept responsibility for the welfare and care of all pupils, at all times.
- Undertake break and supervisory duties as designated by the Senior Management Team.
- Cover classes for absent colleagues as directed by Senior Management Team.
- Attend staff meetings, parents’ evenings and other meetings and school events, such as the Carol Service and open days, outside normal hours.
- Attend relevant school trips, normally including one residential visit per year.
- Undertake any other duties or tasks as the Master, the Deputy Master or the Governing Body may reasonably require.
- Engage positively in and contribute to INSET activities offered by the School.
- Be involved in new initiatives within the School as part of ongoing professional development.
- Take an active interest in maintaining subject knowledge, learning networks and current educational research.
Head of Lower School English
Curriculum and Teaching
- Lead the planning, delivery, and assessment of English from Reception to Year 4, ensuring high academic standards and engagement for all pupils.
- Lead on the implementation of RWI and Guided Reading.
- Promote innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and oracy.
- Ensure continuity and progression into the Upper School English curriculum, in liaison with the Head of English (Upper School).
- Foster a rich reading culture across the Lower School, working closely with class teachers and the librarian to inspire a lifelong love of books.
- Support the teaching of early literacy and phonics, ensuring strong foundations for all learners.
- Run regular parent workshops to ensure that parents are well-informed and engaged partners in their children’s English education.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead, support, and develop Lower School staff in the teaching of English, providing guidance, professional development, and collaborative planning opportunities.
- Work closely with the Head of English (Upper School) to align philosophy, pedagogy, and assessment across the school.
- Liaise effectively with the Deputy Head (Lower School), Head of Learning Development, Head of Pre-Prep and other subject leaders to ensure inclusion, differentiation, and challenge for every pupil.
- Contribute to the strategic development of English within the broader school curriculum.
- Track pupil progress in English across the Lower School and provide support where needed for both teachers and pupils
Co-Curricular and Enrichment
- Organise and promote enrichment activities such as author visits, reading competitions, and creative writing events, to enhance engagement with the subject and raise its profile throughout the School community.
- Champion the role of English in developing pupils’ confidence, creativity, and empathy through drama, storytelling, and performance.
Any additional questions should be directed in the first instance to the Assistant Master (Juniors), Hayley Wellman hayley.wellman@westminster.org.uk
Ideal Candidate: Please refer to the attached person specification for further details.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Westminster Under School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Package Description: Required for: September 2026
Location: Vincent Square - Westminster Under School
Contract: full-time, permanent
Salary: Westminster Under School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are shortlisted. There is also an associated responsibility allowance with this role.
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 31st October 2025. Interviews will take place in-person shortly after the closing date.