Gap Assistants

• Old Buckenham Hall
• Address: Brettenham Park Bury Road Ipswich IP7 7PH
• Salary: Competitive
• Hours: 45 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term for 10 months required from either September 2026 or January 2027
• Reference: 8824.

Set in 85 acres of Suffolk parkland Old Buckenham Hall is one of the countrys oldest and most beautiful preparatory schools. Since 1862 it has provided children with a rigorous curriculum and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities all underpinned by an outstanding system of pastoral care. A co-educational school for children aged 2 - 13 OBH serves a boarding and day community that go on to attend some of the most aspirational senior schools in the UK. Many of these pupils leave having achieved scholarships. Regular destinations include Eton Oundle Uppingham and Rugby as well as schools in East Anglia.

James Large joined the school in September 2023 as its tenth Headmaster and now leads the school in its mission to deliver the premier boarding prep education in the East of June 2024 the school enjoyed a very successful Full Inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) with inspectors noting leaders continual commitment to providing the best possible education and care for pupils results in a dynamic and forward-thinking school alongside a culture of trust respect and aspiration within the school community.

We are looking to appoint a Gap Assistant who is committed to supporting the development of OBH and its pupils and who are motivated to be part of a busy rural boarding school. We value individuals who work hard and support others but who are also able to have fun and embrace the joy of prep school education.

Gap Assistants at OBH are expected to support the teaching staff by providing an excellent standard of education and care to all pupils at the school. They are required to perform their duties with enthusiasm and positivity and enhance the schools pastoral system. Each Gap Assistants timetable consists of assisting different departments with their teaching programmes and supporting the boarding community at various times. Applicants with a particular interest in the Performing Arts are encouraged to apply.

The school is a boarding and day school in full operation seven days per week including evenings during term time. Pastoral co-curricular cultural and sports activities take place outside normal day-school hours and candidates will be expected to contribute fully to these activities. The Rugby salary scale is a generous one and accommodation is offered.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that the Whole Person is the Whole point. Find out more here: Diversity Equity and Inclusion - Rugby School

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race sex disability religion/belief sexual orientation gender reassignment or age.

How to apply

Please register and complete an application via our recruitment portal which can be found at will be considered upon receipt and we reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

Closing date: 8 May 2026

Please note

The school 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 online searched (including the Dark Web) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Charity Registration Number 528752