London, NW3 4NU
Visitors - Recruitment
The Hall School, Hampstead is one of London’s best-known boys’ prep schools. Founded in 1889, it occupies three sites close to each other near to Swiss Cottage underground station (Jubilee Line). The Senior School for Years 6-8 and Middle School for Years 4 and 5 are opposite each other in Crossfield Road, while the Junior School (Reception to Year 3) is 200 yards away at 69 Belsize Park.
The school has approximately 450 boys, aged 4 to 13, with three forms in Years 1 to 7 inclusive. There are two classes in Reception, and four forms in Year 8, including a scholarship form. There are normally 18 boys per form, and demand for 4+ and 5+ places at the school is very strong. Currently our books close on a boy’s first birthday, and there are usually two to three applicants for each place. Many of our boys are academically very able, but there is a range of abilities, and some boys have (usually mild) learning difficulties.
The school’s buildings are spacious and well-appointed, and resources are good. There has been considerable investment over the last ten years in the school’s fabric and facilities, and there is a continuing programme of improvements planned, including a well-advanced programme of ICT development. Most classrooms now have Promethean interactive whiteboards, for example.
Most teachers joining the school will be expected to play a full part in the school’s pastoral provision as form teachers, with an overview of each boy’s school life. This role may be taken on either in the first or frequently in subsequent years. The school conducted a Pastoral Review in 2007-8, and the pastoral aspect of the form teacher’s role is increasingly important within the school.
Teachers should also expect to play an important role in the school’s community life in other ways, for example by becoming associated with one of the four Houses within the school and planning and taking part in events such as educational trips (including residential trips when appropriate) and Assemblies. Most teachers are expected to be involved in the school’s games, for example, or to provide a similar contribution in another area. The school’s main games playing facilities are located at the Wilf Slack Memorial Ground in Finchley (15-20 minutes by minibus), and other sports/activities take place at other venues in North London. All teachers are expected to become involved in the after school activities programme, and to offer at least one activity per week (4pm to 5pm). They are expected to undertake lunchtime and breaktime supervision duties, as well as attendance at meetings such as staff meetings, Parent teacher meetings, Open Evenings, and INSET sessions. Normally, teachers will be in school for two days per term before the return of the pupils for staff meetings, training and general planning and preparation. They are also expected to do the necessary writing of reports and keeping of records etc.
The school operates an Induction Programme for its new teachers, and each new member of staff will be allocated a current member of staff as mentor to help them in their early days. Newly qualified teachers are very welcome to apply for our teaching posts. They can do their probationary year at the school, and obtain NQT status through the Independent Schools Council scheme. All new appointments made at The Hall are considered to be probationary within the first year, and will normally be confirmed after two terms. The school operates its own appraisal and monitoring scheme for its teaching staff. The normal weekly teaching load is up to 32 lessons, each of 35 minutes duration and including games coaching. Heads of Department are likely to have some reduction in their teaching timetable.
The Hall School operates its own Salary Scale, which is generous and tends to be above the level of remuneration available within the state system and many similar independent schools. The school operates the national Teachers’ Pension scheme, run by the Teachers’ Pension Agency, on behalf of its teachers, with contributions made both by employer and employee (normally 6% of salary). The school also provides free private health insurance for all its teachers after two years’ service, as well as lunch, coffee etc during term time. Working conditions are good and there is a happy, harmonious atmosphere in the staffroom. The latest excellent ISI inspection report, dated October 2004, is available on the ISI website. We expect our next inspection in late 2010.
Teachers applying for posts should send in a completed application form (sent with these details) as well as a hand-written letter of application to the Headmaster. They may also include a separate Curriculum Vita to amplify details on the application form. Successful applicants will be required to apply through the school for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, and to provide the details of two referees. The school adheres to Safe Recruitment good practice.