We are seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational, innovative, caring and well qualified Librarian/Information Scientist to lead our dynamic, superbly stocked Library.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge and passion for the power of imagination and information, in developing literate, information aware pupils and teachers who can confidently navigate and effectively harness 21st century information environments and resources creatively, productively, and responsibly.

The school has developed modern, relevant library resources and services to support all staff and pupils in their information needs, research, and work. The Head Librarian needs to lead the further development of our services to support the vision of our libraries as a developing knowledge, information, media and skills hub for emerging forms of teaching and learning for staff and pupils. At the same time, the library services must appeal to pupils to facilitate early and sustained love of... reading, listening and viewing, for pleasure, for discovery, enquiry and creativity, while developing superb information evaluation skills.

The Head Librarian, working in conjunction with the Information Director, Deputy Heads (particularly the Deputy Head Academic) and Head of the Preparatory School, will lead the development and integration of information literacy and skills across the academic, pastoral and co-curriculum to support informed research and enquiry by pupils and staff, with the library as their first, preferred source. They will also work closely with the Academic Leadership Team to facilitate the successful running of the annual Academic Challenge Day which Forest hosts in collaboration with able pupils and schools across North East London and to help curate the super curricular and enrichment resources signposted across the curriculum.

All GCSE and A-Level pupils complete Project Qualifications. The Head Librarian will work with the Head of Project Qualifications to integrate and coordinate library services with the research and development needs of supervisors and over 600 pupils, providing specialised research support to them. All librarians periodically supervise a project group to stay in touch with the needs of pupils and supervisors, and with developments in the subject.

This Head Librarian will lead the development and maintenance of our excellent and dynamic collection of relevant, diverse, and up-to-date resources for staff and pupils. The Head Librarian will develop the school’s stock policy in line with the school’s values and library professional ethics.

Striving to develop a central information hub for all, the library services extend to managing all the senior school textbooks and all online subscriptions in the school, including educational applications and resources, making these visible and accessible to everyone via online catalogue. closely with the Digital Education specialist and others in the school to modernise.

Library resources are available to pupils and staff, anywhere and anytime, via online catalogue. The Head librarian, working with academic leadership and management teams, the Information Director and and the Digital Education Coordinator, will promote and lead the integration, of library services into every lesson via the catalogue and resources in the library system. The Head librarian should explore other ways of getting librarians to add value to lessons, through team teach-teaching and other supports into classrooms. It is equally important to bring classes into the library spaces. The Head Librarian must be a passionate promotor, leader and enabler of systematic, subject-level use of the library resources and spaces for inquiry-based learning opportunities.

The Head Librarian is responsible for developing and maintaining the libraries as welcoming, interesting, and orderly spaces, collaborating widely across the school, hosting relevant events, activities and communications that support academic, pastoral, and co-curricular programmes.

The Head Librarian has the support of the Information Director, Senior Leadership, and other information services, to develop library services, skills, and facilities to the benefit of the whole school community.

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high. It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral. There is boldness in the school’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

As one of the largest day schools in HMC, Forest abounds with opportunities for professional and career development. Staff at Forest are rarely just confined to their subject area and the majority play a full and active role in Forest’s enviable super-curricular and co-curricular programme, with opportunities to lead in clubs and activities as diverse as Model United Nations, Extended Project Qualification, Jedi Warrior Lightsabre Fencing, Chapel Choir, Music Technology and Cricket, to give but a few examples. The ambition, richness, and distinct nature of the integrated curriculum at Forest offers our staff with an unparalleled experience of a modern and holistic education in our beautiful London setting. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’

Forest also invests heavily in staff development, all librarians will be supported to obtain further qualifications, professional status or chartership, training in digital applications and systems, participation in library and education conferences, professional communities.

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:
• Generous CPD budget
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees
• Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on 16th April 2023, 17:00pm

Interviews will be on 21th April 2023
London UK

Salary Criteria