Year 4 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)

About the School - OU.LOCATION: We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places academic excellence, creativity, and outstanding pastoral care at its heart. As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co-educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. In 2025 and 2026, we were proud to be named London Independent School of the Year finalists, reflecting our innovative approach and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Situated beside Exhibition Road in the museum district of central London, we offer pupils an exceptional learning environment enriched by immediate access to world-class cultural and scientific institutions. Our experience is designed to be ambitious, purposeful, and outward-facing, and our pupils go on to a wide range of leading senior schools, predominantly boarding schools, with many securing academic scholarships and awards. We are making significant investment in new and enhanced facilities, ensuring that pupils benefit from an unrivalled prep school experience in central London. These developments reflect the school’s ambition to provide outstanding learning, pastoral, and enrichment provision within an exceptional setting, preparing pupils not only for senior school success but for life beyond the classroom. The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Year 4 Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) to join our team for approximately one year. About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’. At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 20 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class. It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive. About the Brighton College Family of Schools: Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools which includes Brighton College, three other UK based Prep Schools and a growing network of schools around the world. Brighton College is synonymous with academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits. Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff. About the Role: We are seeking an outstanding, warm, and inspiring Class Teacher to join our vibrant and ambitious Prep team. This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent practitioner who understands that prep school is a unique and precious stage of education. The successful candidate will deliver a rich, structured, and joyful curriculum that builds strong foundations in language, reading, number, and personal development, while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence. The role requires a teacher who is confident in establishing calm routines, high expectations, and a culture of kindness, while creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Our school is entering an exciting phase of development, and the successful candidate will join a forward-thinking team committed to providing an exceptional experience within one of the most remarkable educational settings in London. To view our full job description, click here . Who We Are Looking For: We are seeking an outstanding and dedicated Key Stage 2 teacher who holds a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification, and has a successful track record of teaching within Key Stage 2, ideally including Year 4 or Lower Key Stage 2. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of the Key Stage 2 curriculum, particularly in English and mathematics, and be able to deliver engaging, challenging and well-structured lessons that inspire pupils to achieve their full potential. They will be skilled in using assessment to inform teaching and accelerate progress, while confidently adapting their approach to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND and those requiring additional stretch and challenge. We are looking for someone with high expectations for academic achievement, behaviour and personal development, who can create a calm, purposeful and positive learning environment. Strong pastoral awareness, excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents are essential. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, reflective and adaptable professional who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is enthusiastic about contributing to the wider academic, pastoral and co-curricular life of the school. Above all, they will embody and promote the school's values of confidence, curiosity and kindness. We would welcome applications from candidates with previous experience teaching Year 4 and those who have worked within an independent or preparatory school setting. The ideal candidate will be confident in using technology thoughtfully and purposefully to enhance teaching and learning and may have experience of organising educational visits or enrichment activities. An interest, skill or area of expertise that could contribute to the school's wider co-curricular programme would also be highly valued. Benefits at Cognita: •Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience •Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme •Free lunch provided during Term Time •School holidays and public holidays •School fee discount •Exclusive third-party discounts •Ongoing professional development The School Offers •A warm, supportive, and collaborative working environment. •Outstanding professional development opportunities within the Brighton College family of schools. •A unique central London setting, with exceptional opportunities for enrichment. •Significant investment in new and enhanced facilities, including Early Years and KS1 environments. •Competitive salary commensurate with experience. •A vibrant and welcoming school community. How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Thursday 5th November 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.