Staff Vacancies

Thornton College is a leading independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls, offering a warm and nurturing educational environment alongside a rigorous and exciting curriculum.

There are approximately 375 children in our Pre- Reception, Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior departments, aged from 3-19. Over 50 girls board on a weekly or termly basis and many more take advantage of our occasional boarding option.

The School is part of the wider Jesus and Mary Trust that educates young people in 29 countries across the world. It is set within 25 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Buckingham and within easy reach of Milton Keynes, and conveniently located between Oxford & Cambridge. Children of all Christian denominations, of other faiths and of no faith are welcome in our school. All are equally valued, and all are equally important.

Thornton is a school that parents and girls can trust to deliver the highest standards of education coupled with outstanding pastoral care. We are dedicated to blending academic excellence with a richness of opportunity beyond the classroom. We believe that teaching and learning should be both challenging and enjoyable for pupils of all abilities and we aim for the highest possible standards. Our academic results are testament to the way the girls are challenged and motivated to give their best in all they do.

The provision of single-sex education during formative years enables students to grow in confidence, whilst enjoying an education that is specifically tailored and that recognises the different ways in which girls learn.

There is an exciting School Development Plan, which has the continued strengthening of the school’s academic standing as the priority. Following the successful opening of our award-winning Science and Prep Classroom building and our Expressive Arts Studio, we opened a Sixth Form in September 2016 which has thrived and proven to be a successful addition to our school. In October 2022, the school received ‘Excellent’ in all areas in its ISI inspection, with inspectors commenting upon the ‘dynamic teaching’ and the ‘positive attitudes to learning’ displayed by ‘pupils of all ages’ and most recently, the CSI judged the school to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas noting the school’s ‘commitment to the flourishing of every member of the community.’

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. All vacancies within the school are subject to child protection screening which includes an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note: Tours of the school are given to shortlisted candidates at interview.

Any current Staff Vacancies and Job Descriptions are listed below:

Head of Admissions and Admin (Maternity Cover) - Full Time or Part Time

Thornton College is looking to appoint an outstanding Head of Admissions and Admin for a Maternity Cover contract, full-time or part-time considered.

Our most recent ISI inspection report judged the school to be ‘Excellent’ in all areas and our CSI Inspection this year judged the school to be ‘Outstanding in all areas.’ The successful candidate can be sure of working with a team of extremely dedicated staff in a very motivating, forward-thinking school environment.

The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of and experience in the admissions process. The role requires excellent organisational skills, the ability to work in and manage a team, and a good understanding of the independent education sector. You will be responsible for the admissions process for the school from the initial enquiry to enrolment as well as the management of the administration team.

Salary: £34,936-£37,945 gross per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications). Part-time hours pro-rata.

We offer a friendly and supportive work environment, generous – pro-rata fee remission and free parking set in 25 acres of wonderful grounds.

The position is full time with 25 days holiday pay plus paid bank holidays. Hybrid working considered.

Job Description -Head of Admissions (Maternity Cover)

Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues, related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

If you are selected, we may notify you before the closing date.

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures and Barring Service.  This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

To apply, please complete the Thornton College application form and return it for the attention of the Head Teacher to trobinson@thorntoncollege.com or post to the Thornton College address.  

Please do not hesitate to contact Miss Taryn Robinson, PA to the Head, should you have any queries.  

Email: trobinson@thorntoncollege.com 

Head of Business Studies/Economics

For September 2025, we are looking to appoint a part-time (4 days) Head of Business Studies/Economics to lead a single-person department and to teach across the ability range at KS4 and 5. The ideal candidate will not just be enthusiastic, but deeply passionate about the teaching and learning of Business Studies/Economics, with the vision, commitment and determination to continue raising standards for all our students. In return, the successful candidate can be sure of working with extremely dedicated colleagues in a supportive environment. Thornton can offer excellent CPD opportunities, free lunches and parking, access to the school gym and generous fee remission.

The salary for this part-time position will be £25,320.00 – £36,571.00 gross per annum (pro rata point 0.8 -4 days) [FTE £31650 – £45714 gross per annum].

Closing Date for applications: 8th May, 4pm

Interviews: w/c 12th May

Head of Business Studies/Economics – Job Description

We encourage early applications as Thornton College reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the application process.

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures and Barring Service.  This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

To apply, please complete the Thornton College application form and return it for the attention of the Head Teacher to trobinson@thorntoncollege.com or post to the Thornton College address.

Please do not hesitate to contact Miss Taryn Robinson, PA to the Head, should you have any queries.

Email: trobinson@thorntoncollege.com

SECURITY OFFICER

Thornton College is looking to recruit a Security Officer to work as part of a 4 Officer team, on a job share to commence 23rd April 2025 or soon thereafter.  The shift pattern is currently 7 Nights of 13 Hrs, 5 days off, 2 days of 12 Hrs then 14 off. The role will also cover Annual leave and any other Absences.

The ideal candidate is someone with excellent interpersonal skills who would enjoy a front of house position. The position involves monitoring access to and egress from site, accepting deliveries and ensuring the security of the school is effective.  Reporting to the Head of Estates and Operations.

Thornton College is a highly successful all-girls school located in rural Buckinghamshire, set on a beautiful 25-acre site. We offer a warm and nurturing environment alongside a broad and exciting curriculum and co-curriculum for both day and boarding students. Recent inspection reports have judged the school to be both ‘Excellent’ (ISI 2022) and ‘Outstanding’ (CSI 2024) in all areas.

Salary:  £11.44 per hour

Closing Date for Applications: 28th March 2025

Security Officer – Job Description

To apply, please complete the Thornton College application form and return it addressed to the Head Teacher at the school address or by email to the PA to the Head Teacher on– trobinson@thorntoncollege.com

Only completed school applications forms will be accepted. Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the application process.

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and this position will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures and Barring Service.  This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues, related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

 

Graduate Boarding Assistant

We are looking to appoint a Graduate Boarding Assistant from September 2025, to support boarding students in our Boarding House. The successful applicant will be required to undertake a variety of tasks in both boarding and in school. Areas of interest and for professional development will be confirmed at Interview.

Single accommodation, with bathroom facilities, will be provided within the Boarding House. Accommodation and food are included during term time. The post requires a full commitment during term time when the boarders are at school but there are substantial holidays at Christmas and Easter as well as a half term week in each term, with a break of two weeks in the Michaelmas Term. Duties include assisting with wake ups and bedtimes, assisting with daytime break and lunch duties, covering in day school, organising and running activities and attending outings. The Boarding Team have a termly rota which allows for daily and weekly time off.

Salary: £20,770 gross per annum. Accommodation, food and utilities included during term time (please do let us know on your application form if you require accommodation full-time as this may be possible).

A clean driving licence and three years’ driving experience is desirable (but not essential). No pets allowed.

Closing Date for Applications: 25th April 2025

Interviews: Week Commencing 5th May 2025

Graduate Boarding Assistant – Job Description

To apply, please complete the Thornton College application form and return it addressed to the Head Teacher at the school address or by email to the PA to the Head Teacher on– trobinson@thorntoncollege.com

Early applications are advised as the School reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the application process.

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and this position will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues, related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

Grounds Assistant

Thornton College is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Grounds Assistant at our beautiful school based in the countryside near Milton Keynes. You will need to have a genuine interest in gardens, working outdoors and horticulture and be willing to work within the wider support function of the college. As part of a team, you will be responsible for maintaining our beautiful grounds to a high standard. Specific training will be given.

Thornton College is part of the wider Jesus and Mary Trust, educating young people in 29 countries across the world. There is an ambitious school development plan in place and our most recent ISI inspection report judged the school to be ‘Excellent’ in all areas and our CSI Inspection judged the school to be ‘Outstanding in all areas.’

The successful candidate can be sure of working with a team of extremely dedicated staff in a very motivating, forward-thinking school environment.

Hours of Work: 7:30am until 4:30pm (With 1.5hrs of breaks), Monday to Friday

Salary Range: £19,000 – £23,810 gross per annum

Grounds Assistant – Job Description

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and this position will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues, related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

Closing date for applications is 21st March 2025, the school reserves the right to appoint at any time during the recruitment process.

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MEET THE HEAD – THURSDAY 8th MAY 2025 (9:30am – 11:00am)

Thornton warmly invites prospective families to our Meet the Head Morning on Thursday 8th May. This event provides the opportunity to meet our Head Teacher, Dr Shaw and learn more about our school’s values and vision. Please contact: admissions@thorntoncollege.com to book your place!