Job Description

FOREST HILL SCHOOL

Dacres Road, London SE23 2XN

Boys 11-16, Mixed 16-18

Tel. 020 8699 9343

www.foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk

LITERACY AND LIBRARY COORDINATOR

Start date: November 2026

Salary range: Scale 5, points 13–15 £36,015 – £37,077 per annum

Actual salary: £31,113 – £32,030 per annum pro rata

Term time only (39 weeks including INSET days), 35 hours per week

Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4pm

Forest Hill School is a thriving and aspirational comprehensive school in south-east London, providing high-quality education to boys aged 11-16, with a successful joint Sixth Form provision with Sydenham School. We are a community that reflects the rich diversity of our local area and we are committed to helping every student achieve excellence.

A broad and ambitious curriculum is taught in modern facilities by dedicated staff who are passionate about their subjects, committed to high standards and focused on removing barriers to participation, progress and achievement.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised and approachable Literacy and Library Coordinator to help implement our literacy strategy, improve students’ reading attainment and progress, and support an inclusive school library service. You will combine reading assessment and targeted intervention with practical library support, helping students develop confident, independent reading and learning habits.

Reporting to the Assistant Headteacher responsible for Literacy, you will work with the Literacy Lead and SENDCO on assessment and intervention, and under the Librarian’s day-to-day direction on library operations. This is an opportunity to make a direct contribution to students’ learning and enjoyment of reading.

You will be required to:

• Carry out reading screening for new Year 7 students and in-year admissions, and support ongoing reading assessment for Years 8 to 11, using NGRT, Corrective Reader and other agreed assessments.
• Deliver agreed reading interventions, including Corrective Reader and Lexia, through small group and individual sessions; set targets, monitor progress and report on the effectiveness of support.
• Support the Librarian with library supervision, enquiries, loans, reservations, overdue items, stock processing and maintenance, and deputise within agreed procedures and delegated authority when required.
• Help students choose suitable reading materials, use library and online resources independently, and access learning support that responds to their individual needs, including SEND and EAL.
• Support resource selection and ordering within agreed budgets and approvals, liaise with curriculum staff, and help provide book boxes and online resource lists.
• Promote reading through displays, library events and trips, pupil library monitors, and contributions to whole-school and classroom reading strategies.
• Maintain accurate, secure records, monitor library ICT use, and promote positive behaviour and engagement through a restorative and inclusive approach.

Therefore, we are looking for someone who:

• Has a Level 3 qualification or equivalent, and/or relevant experience in a similar role; Level 2 English and Mathematics qualifications or equivalent; and Teaching Assistant standards or equivalent relevant qualification or experience.
• Has recent experience of supporting secondary-age students through teaching, literacy intervention or comparable learning support.
• Has experience of working in a school or library environment, including using online resources and a library management system.
• Has knowledge of literacy and reading support, how students learn, and literature for young people, with the ability to give clear feedback and build positive relationships.
• Is confident using ICT to support learning, prepare reports and analyse student progress data, and can organise library resources and maintain accurate records.
• Is well organised, flexible and proactive, able to work independently and as part of a team, and calm and professional when priorities change.
• Is committed to safeguarding, confidentiality, inclusion, equality of opportunity and continuing professional development.
• Specialist literacy or library training, HLTA status or QTS, and experience of NGRT, Corrective Reader, Lexia, Access IT, ePlatform or a school management information system would be desirable.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work in an established and experienced school that challenges stereotypes and has high aspirations for boys.
• A highly supportive Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and staff body.
• A personalised CPD programme, including relevant training in literacy interventions, library systems, safeguarding, behaviour and SEND.
• Opportunities to broaden your experience in education and develop yourself for future roles in schools.

Please visit www.foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk for the application pack. Completed applications must be submitted to vacancies@foresthillschool.co.uk.

We do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Applications must be submitted using the Lewisham Support Staff Application Form, available from our school website.

Informal visits are welcome and should be arranged with the Director of Strategy & Resources, Miguel Diaz – please contact the school on 020 8699 9343.

Closing date for applications: 12 Noon on Friday 16th October 2026. Interviews for the following week. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Safeguarding Statement

Forest Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

This post is subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks, enhanced DBS clearance, medical clearance and any other pre-employment checks required by the school. The post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Online searches may be carried out for shortlisted candidates as part of the school’s safer recruitment process.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Forest Hill School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

The school is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. We have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure for the Disclosure and Barring Service.