Downe House
West Berkshire
Salary:
Competitive
Job type:
Full Time, Fixed Term
Start date:
01 January 2026
Apply by:
23 September 2025
Job overview
Graduate Library Assistant
Fixed term contract from 1st January 2026 – 31st July 2027, with possibility to extend to December 2027
Are you a graduate looking for a rewarding position? Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their goals? This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate of any discipline to gain valuable experience supporting our pupils in their academic development.
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women. We are seeking a positive and enthusiastic Graduate Library Assistant to join our team from January 2026. This could be an exciting route to kickstart your career.
In this role you will assist with the efficient organisation, management and administration of the Library and ensure that it remains a key resource for pupils and staff. You will also be involved in organising Residencies for different departments within the Murray Centre, which is an exciting collaborative learning and multi-functional space.
You will be part of a nurturing and supportive but busy and thriving school, where everyone is encouraged to get fully involved with school life. We have Graduate roles in other departments, so you will not be alone Some of our graduates have succeeded to gain permanent employment with us after their placement, whilst others have benefitted from useful career insight and connections to guide their next steps.
If you are caring, people-focused, enjoy the company of young people and think you would enjoy a busy residential lifestyle we would love to hear from you. This is a residential post, and the Graduate Library Assistant will live in on-site accommodation, sharing facilities, usually with other Graduate Assistants.
We offer a range of benefits including:
* Free staff accommodation provided on site
* Provision of delicious and nutritious free meals and on-site parking
* Modern gym and swimming pool facilities
* Regular opportunities for professional development
* A vibrant and supportive staff community
* A variety of social occasions through the year
* Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution)
* Life Assurance and Death in Service benefit
* A supportive induction programme
* Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location
How to Apply
To apply, please visit our website -
Closing Date: 23rd September 2025
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.
For further details you can contact the HR Department on or email
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.
At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
About Downe House
Downe House
Cold Ash, Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9JJ
United Kingdom
Situated in the town of Thatcham, in Berkshire, Downe House is an independent secondary school for girls aged between 11 and 18. It is both a day and boarding school. There are around 580 students enrolled at the school, the majority of whom are boarders. Downe House School was established in 1907 in Charles Darwin's formal home. It is located on 110 acres of land. There are 12 houses for those living on the campus. One of the houses is located in France where year eight students have the opportunity to spend a term.
Headteacher
Emma McKendrick
Values and Vision
Downe House aims to give every girl attending the school equal opportunities. The goal is for them to develop positive attitudes towards learning and become important figures in the local and global community. Children are encouraged to have excellent exam results, as well as personal development.
ISI Report
"There is positive leadership and a proactive approach to the health and well-being of the boarders. The health centre provides an outstanding service to the whole school. The welfare of pupils is at the heart of all the work that is done and the systems that are in place to support this aim. The pupils are well protected from harm with a written child protection policy that is regularly reviewed. The headmistress is the designated person in charge of child protection and works closely in this area with other members of the leadership team. Good attention is paid to overall health and safety matters supported by robust policies and comprehensive risk assessments."
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