Ipswich Preparatory School
Suffolk
Job type:
Full Time, Part Time, Fixed Term
Start date:
05 January 2026
Apply by:
8 October 2025
Job overview
CLASS/FORM TEACHER with a Languages specialism
Full-time and Part-time applications will be considered
Initially a two term, fixed-term post - required from 5 January 2026
We are seeking to appoint a qualified teacher to join us in January 2026. You will have a good track record in teaching to a high level with excellent results in attainment, progress and pastoral care. We are looking to appoint a passionate and enthusiastic professional with experience of teaching Key Stage 1 and who has a specialism in Languages teaching. An ability to teach some, or all, of the following for an initial year would be advantageous: French, Latin and Classics, German and Spanish. The appropriate candidate would be forward thinking and able to demonstrate evidence-based pedagogical practices.
Ipswich Preparatory School, for pupils aged 4 –11, is the primary aged stage of Ipswich School and close links are enjoyed with the Senior School. Generally, there are two classes per year group, Reception to Year 6 and a day care nursery (The Lodge) which cares for some 100 children aged 3 months to the time the children join Reception.
The Prep School operates as one unit, from Reception to Year 6 with lessons on Mondays to Fridays. Whilst there are organisational differences between the ways in which school life is structured for 'infants' in Lower Prep and 'junior' pupils in Upper Prep, there is no formal separation of the school into two sections.
Pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum. Academic achievement is high and the School has particular strengths in art, music, drama and sport. All classes, with the exception of Years 4 to 6 are generally taught by their Form Teacher, although some subjects, such as Languages, Art, Computing, Games, Music and Science are taught by teachers specially appointed to teach that subject, throughout the school. The School has Learning Support staff, a school counsellor and a good number of teaching assistants.
The School enjoys a talented, committed and loyal teaching staff. The ratio of teachers to pupils is approximately 1:11. In addition to Form Teachers, there are specialist teachers for PE, Games, Music, Art, Languages, Science, Drama, Computing and Learning Support. Form teachers, in addition to subject specialists, take on subject leader roles.
All staff who teach at the School make contributions to school life outside their own specialisation as well as to our co-curricular programme. The School has a strong community feel and new members of staff invariably speak of the supportiveness and friendliness of their colleagues and the pupils.
The School ensures there is healthy non-contact time for teachers (typically 20%) and it has a main pay salary scale which mirrors but is more generous than that of the maintained sector. There is currently generous fee remission of fees for children (aged 5 and above) of teaching staff, providing there are vacancies and the children fulfil the usual entry requirements. Free lunch is provided in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation, and staff are able to use the School's swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations).
APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS
You can download a job description and application form from our website or contact /
Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format please contact us.
Completed application forms, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees; along with a letter of application, explaining your educational philosophy, teaching strengths and relevant personal interests, should be sent by 12 noon on Wednesday 8 October 2025 to Mrs Lucy Southgate, Prep Head, Ipswich Preparatory School, 3 Ivry Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3QW or email:
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 14 October and/or Thursday 16 October 2025. Visits to the school are welcome and should be arranged with Head's PA, Mrs C Clarke via
PLEASE NOTE
Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Recruiter contact:
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About Ipswich Preparatory School
Ipswich Preparatory School
3 Ivry Street, Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 3QW
United Kingdom
At Ipswich Preparatory School we provide children with a supportive environment that encourages girls and boys to love learning, grow in self-confidence and acquire a wide range of worthwhile interests. The Prep School is in three sections: Early Years (4 to 5 year olds), Lower Prep (5 to 7 year olds) and Upper Prep (7 to 11 year olds).
Children at the Prep School are happy. They are happy because they enjoy their lessons. They have a full and exciting programme of activities. And they are taught by people who are genuinely interested in them and know them really well
Pastoral care is outstanding. It's centred on the form teacher who spends a great deal of time with their pupils. We can call on a host of other experts and resources if needed.
For those looking to work at our Prep School, you will find wonderful purpose-built classrooms in a state-of-the-art Prep School building, small class sizes – typically around 15 in the Lower Prep and between 18 and 25 in the Upper Prep. You will also find parents are very supportive and keen to develop the potential in their children.
"You can see what young children need and then shape your teaching accordingly. We are not tied to the National Curriculum which rather forces teachers to teach specific things. We are so lucky to have this flexibility." Prep School teacher.
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