WESTMINSTER UNDER SCHOOL

Administrative Assistant (Gap Student) - Required for September 2021

Westminster Under School is seeking two talented and enthusiastic Gap Year Students to work at the School from the beginning of September 2021. Applications for the entire 2021-22 academic year are preferred, finishing in the first week of July 2022, however, applications for two of the three terms will also be considered.

The School

Westminster Under School is a selective school for boys aged from 7 – 13 and is located on Vincent Square, the largest square in Central , a few minutes from Parliament and well located for transport links at Victoria, Pimlico, Vauxhall or Westminster stations. There are approximately 300 boys in the School – large enough to create a busy, bustling atmosphere but small enough so that teaching and non-teaching staff know boys throughout the School.

Westminster’s origins can be traced to a charity school established by the Benedictine monks of from at least the early fourteenth century. In 1943, the School expanded by forming the Under School, educating boys aged from 7 to 13 years old, first in Eccleston Square and then in its present site overlooking the beautiful Vincent Square, which allows unrivalled opportunities for sport or just for a relaxing lunchtime’s rest. The School has expanded again several times: in 2011 with new dining facilities, magnificent art studios and a new state-of-the-art theatre; and in 2012 when the School’s massive Sports Centre opened in nearby Lawrence Hall, allowing for indoor sport of all descriptions, from and table tennis to fencing and year-round cricket.

Boys come to the School who have an intrinsic love of learning and enjoy a busy day. While academic excellence is almost a given, central to the School is nurturing our boys in a wide variety of ways: fostering intellectual debate, focusing on their wellbeing and encouraging a wide gamut of extra-curricular interests. Many of our boys speak at least one other language and almost all play a musical instrument. We place a particular emphasis on drawing out individual talent wherever it lies, whether this be in a specific subject, a hobby or interest or in Music, Drama, Sport or Art. The majority of our boys go on to Westminster School in Year 9, with some boys each year going to, amongst others, Winchester College and .

Job Description – Administrative Assistant (Gap Student)

Gap Students assist in all areas of the day-to-day running of the School, examples of which are outlined below. The successful applicant will report principally to the Deputy Master and be encouraged to take a full and active role in the curricular and extra-curricular activities that take place.

Line manager: Deputy Master

Typical, non-exhaustive, roles performed in this role are:

• Assist with pupil registration, ensuring all boys are accounted for. • Supervision of pupils during break and lunch times. • Approximately six hours of games coaching or support per week across the School – particular strengths can usually be accommodated. • Manage lost property. • Assist with taking boys to the Sports Centre for after-school ‘Extras’, the local swimming pool, away matches, etc. • General assistance with the day-to-day running of the School. • Administrative support for the Senior Management Team, teaching and non-teaching staff, including photocopying and other admin support, e.g. refreshing display boards, etc. • Scope to get involved with extra-curricular activities, such as concerts, plays, etc. • Assist and supervise with school trips as and when they take place. • Any other roles reasonably requested by the Senior Management Team.

Gap Students typically work from 8 - 4.30pm Monday to Friday during term time, including an hour’s break. Assistance for occasional evenings and Saturdays may also be required. The role comes with paid holidays for part of the time that School is not in session. Pay is £10.76 per hour and lunch is provided each day. There is no accommodation with this role.

This role suits people who are confident, mature, self-directed and who like working with younger people - the role may be particularly beneficial for someone who is considering a career in education, though this is not essential. Competence in the main Office software and similar is an advantage. Any particular strengths or specialisms in different areas can usually be accommodated.

Applications by email, including a CV and a fully completed application form, which is available from the School’s website, should be sent by email to [email protected]. Applications should be received on or before 4pm on Friday 5th March 2021. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place by Zoom shortly afterwards.

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 the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For further information on Westminster Under School, please visit our website: www.westminsterunder.org.uk.

Any additional questions should be directed in the first instance to the School’s Deputy Master, Michael Woodside, by emailing [email protected].