School Librarian

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby Pembridge is the latest demonstration of Inspired's commitment to providing the highest academic excellence, curriculum rigour, extensive premium co-curricular facilities, and the very best support in accessing the top universities in the world.

This exceptional co-educational senior school will open in Olympia, London in September 2025 and will enable students to gain access to Inspired’s global best practices in teaching and learning, as well as global exchange and summer camp programmes, providing students with even more opportunities to transform and broaden their horizons.

The school will build on the academic success and heritage of our Wetherby and Pembridge Hall Pre-Prep and Prep Schools. Wetherby Pembridge will provide a premium, academic senior school pathway for students who are looking for an academically excellent, London co-educational senior school.

The school will feature state-of-the-art learning environments with future-ready classrooms and labs, a library with an eight-floor glass atrium, professional-standard theatre facilities, STEAM Maker Spaces using the latest AI and VR technology, a vibrant Creative and Performing Arts programme and outstanding provision for sport both onsite and nearby.

The Role:

We are delighted to welcome applications from outstanding, dynamic and suitably experienced individuals for the role of School Librarian, to  be in post ready for the school opening in September 2025. This is a rare opportunity for the right candidate to work with the Founding Leadership Team to develop a world-class, innovative whole-school library provision from the ground up. The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for developing a first-class library to support student learning and foster a culture of academic enquiry and intellectual curiosity throughout the school.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible to the Deputy Head (Academic) for all aspects of library provision.
• Develop and maintain a world-class school library.
• Manage the day-to-day operations, including borrowing, stock levels, budget preparation, and maintaining high standards of student behaviour.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of English to develop a library strategy that places reading and academic enquiry at the heart of the school’s approach to learning.
• Promote wide reading as a routine part of staff and student life, positioning the library as a centre for learning, research, and collaboration.
• Provide a comprehensive super-curricular offering and foster broad academic engagement among students.
• Support academic departments in delivering innovative curricula to inspire academically curious students.
• Work with the English Department and SENDCo to support reading and literacy across the school.
• Assist with individual requests for resources, such as reading lists.
• Manage recruitment, induction, and line management of library staff as the school grows.
• Work with the ICT Department to align the library with the school’s digital strategy, including electronic resources on the intranet.
• Ensure the library remains an organised and inspiring learning environment.
• Develop community partnerships with the Performing Arts and other departments.
• Participate in meetings with Heads of Department and update the departmental handbook.
• Chair the Library Committee and lead annual inductions for students and staff.
• Support the Examinations Officer and SENDCo with access arrangements for exams.
• Depending on qualifications, may take on some teaching or contribute to the Learning Support Department, or serve as a House Tutor.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Strong academic credentials, including a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and the right to work in the UK.
• Qualified Librarian status.
• Significant experience as a Librarian, ideally in a high-performing school environment.
• Experience in strategic planning.
• Experience in developing and overseeing budgets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High levels of digital literacy.
• Resilience, drive, and a sense of humour to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

In addition, all staff at Wetherby Pembridge are expected to demonstrate:

• Alignment with Wetherby Pembridge Values and ethos.
• Depth of understanding in the relevant subject area.
• A forward-looking approach to using educational technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Genuine care for the highest standards of student welfare.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both collaborative and independent.
• A commitment to professional development.
• Enthusiasm, energy, and a flexible approach.
• Ability to engage and motivate young people.
• Ability to manage workload, cope under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Interest in supporting student learning and personal development inside and outside the classroom.
• Readiness to engage in the co-curricular and wider life of the school.
• Recognition of personal responsibility for health and safety.
• Commitment to safeguarding students, child protection, and equal opportunities.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.