King’s Worcester is a hugely welcoming and fulfilling place to work. We are incredibly proud of our reputation. Our employees and our enviable King’s community is what sets our school apart.
We are committed to recruiting the best candidates, who join us from a diverse range of backgrounds, including other educational settings, industry or the commercial world. We are also committed to developing and helping colleagues to thrive while they are here at King’s. Careers at King’s Worcester are exceptionally rewarding in many ways.
The King’s Foundation is a family of leading co-educational independent day schools in and close to Worcester. Our original school dates back to 1541, when it was re-founded by Henry VIII.
There are three schools in our community: King’s Worcester (11 to 18), and two Prep Schools, King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford (both 2 to 11).
We are exceptionally fortunate that our schools are situated in beautiful locations, not only surrounded by buildings steeped in history but also well-known landmarks. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and we do hope these pages provide a glimpse into working in one of our three wonderful schools.
Applying for Jobs
To apply for a vacancy please complete the relevant application form as indicated and send to recruitment@ksw.org.uk
Only completed application forms will be accepted, although you are welcome to submit a CV in addition if you wish to do so.
All applications will be acknowledged on receipt and all applicants will be notified after the closing date, whether or not they have been shortlisted for an interview.
Successful applicants will be advised of the date and time of the interview. References will normally be taken up prior to interview, unless you have indicated on your application that you do not wish us to contact your current employer. Candidates should be aware that referees will be asked to comment on a candidate’s disciplinary record and whether or not the candidate has been subject to any child protection concerns. Qualification certificates (originals not copies) will be required at interview, as will proof of identity.
Schools are required as part of the shortlisting process to carry out an online search. Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.
Candidates unsuccessful at interview will receive written notification.
The School is required to ensure that the successful candidate is checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the School’s policies on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children as well as equal opportunities are available on request.
References will be verified prior to the appointment being confirmed.
The King’s Foundation is committed to safeguarding
and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share
this commitment. Applicants will be required to
undergo child protection screening appropriate to the
post including checks with past employers and the
Disclosure and Barring Service.
Benefits
Benefits of Working for The King’s Foundation
- We promote the values of mutual respect and integrity at every level in the Foundation, and we are an equal opportunities employer.
- You will be joining a highly successful, well-resourced school with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a positive outlook.
- Remuneration – A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with the importance of the post and with the experience and qualities of the successful candidate.
- Access to an enhanced pension scheme for teaching and support staff.
- School Fees – There is a generous fee remission for up to two children of employees who attend schools in the King’s Foundation (pro-rata for part-time staff).
- Professional Development – You can look forward to a genuinely rewarding role as well as career development and support for professional studies, if appropriate. Whatever the role, we offer excellent training and development. We are also committed to promoting from within whenever we can, giving the chance to build a great future at King’s.
- Employee Well-being – Employees have access to the School’s outstanding sports facilities including the gym and swimming pool at agreed times.
- Private Medical Insurance – staff are able to purchase private medical insurance through the School in order to benefit from group premium rates.
- Lunch is provided for employees during the school day, plus hot drinks and snacks.
- Employees have full use of School library resources and services.
- Flu vaccination is offered.
- Yoga and Pilates classes are available.
- Complimentary tickets are offered for some local events i.e. sports matches, theatre tickets.
- There is free access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
FAQs
You may find that any general questions that you have are answered here. If you have a more specific question, please email recruitment@ksw.org.uk
Will I receive an acknowledgement when I submit my application form?
Yes, you will receive an acknowledgement of your application via email from HR. If you are not shortlisted for an interview, you will also be notified via email.
I cannot attend an interview on the date/time that I have been invited, could I rearrange?
Please contact HR on the above email address to discuss whether this is possible. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to rearrange but we will make every effort to do so.
How long will you keep my application if I am unsuccessful?
We destroy all applications after a period of 6 months, in line with GDPR.
When will you contact my referees?
If you are invited to attend an interview for a teaching post, your referees will be contacted prior to your interview and the references will form part of the selection process. For support staff, references may be taken up prior to your interview, however your current employer will not be contacted if you have advised us on your application form that you do not wish us to do so. If you are subsequently offered the role we will contact your current employer for a reference.
What documentation should I bring with me to the interview?
The School requests that all candidates invited to interview bring with them a current driving licence or passport or a full birth certificate for checking on arrival. Please note that originals are necessary. All candidates must also bring certificates of qualifications that are necessary or relevant for the post.
I may require some reasonable adjustments in place for my interview; will the school accommodate these?
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform HR of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
Will I still be considered for the position if I have a criminal conviction?
The School will not unfairly discriminate against any candidate for employment on the basis of conviction or other details revealed. The School makes appointment decisions on the basis of merit and ability. If an individual has a criminal record this will not automatically bar him or her from employment within the School. Instead, each case will be decided on its merits. Please refer to the Recruitment Selection and Disclosures Policy for more information.
I’ve been invited to attend an interview, where do I park?
Parking may be limited on site at the Senior School and King’s St Alban’s, however public parking at the King’s Street Car Park (pay and display) is a short walk (2 minutes) away. King’s Hawford has plenty of parking on site.
Where should I go when I arrive for my interview?
Please go to Reception to sign in and present your ID.
Hear from our Staff
“King’s St Alban’s is such a fabulous place to work; the staff are friendly, the children are brilliant and the facilities are amazing. With the wide variety of sports and the extensive number of sporting fixtures each week, you are kept busy but this has been brilliant for my development as a teacher. Our inclusive attitude within PE and Games means you get to see every single child in the school thoroughly enjoying physical activity.”
Charlie Hooman, Games Teacher – King’s St Alban’s
“It is a privilege to be part of the King’s Hawford community. The school is busy, with a broad curriculum and an incredibly wide co-curricular offering. Our staff body is friendly and welcoming, with a supportive leadership team. As a parent as well as a teacher, I am fortunate to see the School through the eyes of a child; this allows me to see what an amazing place it is at which to work.”
Richard Cook, Teacher & Digital Strategy Co-ordinator – King’s Hawford
“King’s Worcester is a very welcoming, friendly school, both in terms of staff and pupils. There is a daily buzz of positivity as you walk around the site and the setting is simply stunning. I find myself with a huge smile on my face, thinking about how lucky I am to teach at this wonderful school and influence the lives of the future generation. What a privilege it is to work here.”
Anita Fitzpatrick, Maths Teacher – King’s Worcester (Senior School)
“Every day for the past five years, when I walk through the doors of the boathouse, I say to myself, ‘This is the greatest job in the world!’ This is not a manifestation, but a daily reminder that working at King’s is the richest and most fulfilling career I could ever have wished for.”
W Bird, Boatperson – King’s Worcester (Senior School)
“There is a real sense of community and belonging working as a member of staff here at King’s. It is a pleasure to work with incredibly supportive colleagues and with pupils who are eager to learn and explore the changing world around them. Expectations of staff and pupils are high, but well-being is always at the forefront, making this a fun place to work and learn. As a young member of staff, the opportunity to have genuine input into the School’s development is really exciting, with every member of the King’s community given the opportunity to be heard. The breadth of knowledge and experiences available across the campus is staggering and the ability to have such a variety within one job gives real job satisfaction. I have been really well supported as a new teacher and know there will be countless opportunities to grow and develop myself at King’s.”
Georgina Ormandy, Geography Teacher – King’s Worcester (Senior School)
“Working within the beautiful surroundings of the King’s School is an absolute privilege. It is an exciting time to be involved in a dynamic and progressive school that, whilst embracing its history, is forging a path for the future. I feel part of a team that is not only focused on providing the best for its pupils but also supports and appreciates its staff as part of the whole school community. A truly special place for generations of pupils and staff, past and present.”
Michelle Richardson, School Secretary
I first experienced King’s 20 years ago when we were looking for a school for our son. I remember being instantly taken in by the warmth and enthusiasm of both the staff and the pupils. It was a happy place with a real family feel. I have worked at King’s St Alban’s for over 12 years now and I can honestly say that my perception hasn’t changed being on the ‘inside.’ As a parent I invested 11 years at King’s. The school is very much in my heart. We look out for each other and work hard as a team to create a nurturing and exciting learning environment for the pupils. Our department is a happy place with a buzzing atmosphere. I feel incredibly lucky to work so closely to the river and our wonderful cathedral; it is a pleasure to work in such a beautiful setting.
Lizzie Monkhouse, Teaching Assistant- King’s St Alban’s
“I love working at King’s Hawford because it is such an inclusive community. Managers, teachers and support staff are all equally valued. Changes in leadership and the staff team haven’t affected the happy family feel of the school.
No two days are the same, which keeps things fresh and interesting. I am so proud to say I work at King’s Hawford”
Laura Crowe, Head’s PA – King’s Hawford
Why Worcester?
With a bustling city, historic market towns, and glorious countryside, Worcestershire really does have it all. With so much on offer, it’s easy to see why we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of people deciding to return or relocate to Worcestershire in recent years.
If you’re thinking of making the move, there’s certainly a great deal to tempt you. Read on to find out more.
Music – The Home of Edward Elgar
Home to Edward Elgar, one of England’s finest composers, Worcestershire has a vibrant and eclectic music scene, which includes playing shared host to the ever-popular Three Choirs Festival. With a host of local music venues and festivals to support both emerging and established artists, you’ll definitely find something to whet your appetite in Worcestershire.
Fascinating history
Worcester is one of the oldest cities in the country, with settlements dating back to 700BC. Visitors and residents alike are treated to cobbled Tudor streets, elegant architecture, and of course the impressive Cathedral, with which the King’s School, Worcester is intrinsically linked. We also have the beautiful Fort Royal Park: the site of the 1651 Battle of Worcester and the final battle of the English Civil War.
Sporting prowess – Worcestershire County Cricket Club
Whatever your sporting interest, you will find it in Worcestershire. From Premiership rugby with Worcester Warriors and County Championship cricket with Worcestershire County Cricket Club to grass roots sports of all varieties, there really is something for everyone.
The Malvern Hills
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1959, The Malvern Hills provide a beautiful backdrop to our county.
With breath-taking views across the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, it’s the perfect destination for walkers of all ages and abilities.
Stay connected – Central West Midlands Location
Situated just off the M5, Worcester has an enviable location in the heart of the Midlands, with easy rail and road links to neighbouring Birmingham, Cheltenham and Gloucester. For those who require international travel, Birmingham Airport is just a 40-minute car journey away.
With the brand-new Worcestershire Parkway, commuters now also have the advantage of a direct fast line to London.
Fabulous food
With a healthy mix of independent and popular chains, there are plenty of tasty goods to sample in Worcestershire.
From bustling city restaurants to relaxing countryside estates, there’s a strong focus on homegrown and locally sourced produce, which means delicious menus that evolve with the seasons.
The Arts
Malvern Theatres attracts an impressive range of artists and performers and often hosts first-run shows before they go to the West End. Worcester based Huntingdon Hall also pulls in big-name comedians, who often come to Worcester to test out new material.
If artisan goods are your thing, head to our market towns for a bustling programme of Food and Drink markets and Arts and Crafts festivals.
The perfect family home
Whether you want cosy village life or city-based living, it’s not hard to see why so many young families choose to relocate to Worcestershire. With plenty of parks and open spaces for everyone to enjoy, as well as an impressive network of cycle paths, young children can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the freedom of the countryside.
Worcestershire Sauce
Arguably the greatest condiment of all time, Worcestershire Sauce was launched in 1837 by local chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins. Their factory, which sits in the heart of the city centre, is still in operation today, making the famous sauce in very much the same way as when it was first sold.
Cathedral Links
The School dates its modern origins from 1541, when Henry VIII established a new Foundation for the Cathedral, to provide education for “Forty boys, poor and destitute of the help of friends, of native genius…and apt to learn.” The Foundation comprised a Dean and Chapter and it re-founded the old school as an integral part of what was known as ‘the College’. The monks’ refectory has been used by the School ever since and is now known as ‘College Hall’. The Undercroft of College Hall has been converted into the Cathedral’s learning centre, with the added benefit of a lift into College Hall to broaden access.
Links with the Cathedral remain strong to this day. The most obvious example is the education of choristers, but there are many other examples of collaboration and mutual dependency. For example, the Bishop appoints one, and the Chapter appoints seven Governors of the school, and the Dean is Governor ex officio. The Senior Leadership Team, the Chaplain of the School and the King’s and Queen’s Scholars are members of the Cathedral and attend a special service of Evensong three times a year. The School uses the Cathedral for a variety of events. There are a number of cathedral services for the whole School each term and the Cathedral is used for assemblies every Monday and Friday, and for School Eucharist every Wednesday. It is also the venue for large-scale events, such as the annual Carol Service and King’s Day, when the School assembles in the Cathedral on the last day of the school year. This is a celebration of the school year and an opportunity to wish the leavers well and is an emotional highlight of the year.
The Chapter is also the landlord of College Hall and the school buildings which are part of College Green, although the School has security of tenure.
History & Campus
King’s Worcester
There has been a school, or schools, on or near the current Senior School site since the 7th Century. The modern King’s is in linear descent from the monastic school which was an integral part of the Benedictine cathedral monastery until the Dissolution in 1540. Links with the Cathedral have always been strong and remain so today.
Originally a boarding and day school for boys only, the Sixth Form has been co-educational for almost 50 years and the School became fully co-educational in 1991. Boarding finished in 1999.
The King’s St Alban’s site was acquired in 1953 and King’s Hawford was purchased in 1996.
The Senior School is made up of a variety of buildings, displaying the very best of ancient and modern architecture.
The Classics Department is housed in the medieval Edgar Tower whilst the striking design of the Michael Baker boathouse won the Royal Institute of British Architects West Midlands Award in 2013.
Named after former Headmaster, Tim Keyes, The Keyes Building, which opened in June 2015, incorporates a sports hall and fitness centre, a three-storey indoor climbing wall, dance and drama studios, Sixth Form Centre and extensive teaching facilities.
Prep Schools
King’s Hawford and King’s St Alban’s are very important parts of the King’s Foundation and provide the vast majority of pupils at Year 7.
King’s Hawford
King’s Hawford, which has a sizeable nursery, was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all categories in its last full EYFS inspection.
Housed in an elegant Georgian building, the school has impressive facilities, including a sports hall (The Barn), music school, dance studio, outdoor learning facilities, double-decker library bus, heated indoor swimming pool and well-equipped specialist teaching facilities for Science, IT and Art.
It is set in 23 acres of parkland, which run alongside the Droitwich canal and provide excellent space for outdoor learning with two Forest School areas.
“King’s Hawford is a school where children climb trees and get muddy.” The Good Schools Guide
King’s St Alban’s
King’s St Alban’s is set in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Severn in the heart of Worcester, adjacent to King’s Senior School and Worcester Cathedral. The bright, welcoming Pre-Prep classrooms complement the Prep School which, though steeped in history, combines up-to-date facilities and technology.
Due to its proximity to the Senior School, King’s St Alban’s shares excellent sport, drama and dance facilities based there. Within the Prep School site there is also a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor play and Forest School area, adventure playground and fully equipped science lab and art studio. Some of the original buildings date back to the 1750s and the delightful Chapel has provided a place of worship since 1850.
“Every bit of space is imaginatively used to provide outdoor play and activity spaces.” The Good Schools Guide
Inspection Reports & Awards
The King’s Foundation was inspected in 2017 and achieved a rating of ‘Excellent’ for academic achievement and personal development. The inspectors commented that the quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent, adding that pupils are confident and self-assured members of the school community, extremely enthusiastic and purposeful learners, and take great pride in their schools.
The schools provide an extensive choice of co-curricular activities and the success of pupils in these reflects not only their impressive range of talents but also their commitment to making the most of the opportunities in and beyond the classroom. They do not give up easily and understand that hard work and dedication to the challenges are key factors in promoting their personal development.
The schools hold a number of recognitions. Recently the Senior School was the only school in Worcester to be named in the Top 10 West Midlands Independent Secondary Schools by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
In 2019 the School was also awarded The Trinity College Champion Centre status, one of the few schools in the UK awarded this title for their effective and innovative Arts Award programme.
Discover King’s Worcester Visit our 360 degree Campus Tour |
Discover King’s Hawford Visit our 360 degree Campus Tour |
Discover King’s St Alban’s Visit our 360 degree Campus Tour |