Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline for applications?

There is no absolute deadline, but applications for Activities Staff positions in 2010 are unlikely to be considered if received after January 29th 2010. Staff that have worked for us previously should apply by January 8th 2010. Applications from new teachers are invited throughout the year, although available positions may be limited after January when returning teachers are allocated courses.

What is the interview process?

EFL Teachers are interviewed at Harrow School on an ad hoc basis by the EFL Coordinator. It is usually possible to arrange telephone interviews for candidates living overseas. An assessment day for all new Activities Staff applicants (including House Parents & Office Staff) will be held on Saturday 20th February at Harrow School. This will include group tasks and an individual interview. All new applicants must attend. We will contact all candidates, whether successful or not, within three weeks of their interview.

If I am successful at interview, when will I receive my contract?

Contracts are generally sent out towards the end of May.

Am I allowed to be away from the school during the course of my employment?

Activities Staff are entitled to paid holiday and time off each week, this is detailed in the job description. Because of the complexity of the staff schedule it is not possible for staff to choose their days off and this will be done in advance by the Course Director. If you have an important prior engagement (e.g. a wedding) please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to accommodate your request. EFL teachers are free to be away from the school when they are not required in the classroom or for occasional other duties (e.g. attendance at Awards ceremonies). Provisional teaching schedules are sent out with contracts.

Is accommodation available?

We offer accommodation to all staff who do not live within reasonable distance of the school. This is available free of charge. All activities staff are required to perform residential duties overnight on occasion (for additional pay), regardless of distance from the school. Accommodation is provided in one or more of the school’s Boarding Houses. It is not usually possible to accommodate staff in a separate Boarding House from the children. Staff are all provided with single rooms.

When can I arrive?

Accommodation is available from the night before the induction day (Tuesday 6th July 2010 for Activity Staff, Wednesday 7th July for EFL Teachers). Those on contracts starting later in the summer also have access to accommodation on the night before their contract begins. It is sometimes possible to accommodate staff earlier than this.

Until when will my accommodation be available?

You will be asked to vacate your room on the day after your contract has finished. It may be possible to accommodate you for a further night if requested in advance.

What about meals?

We provide three meals per day for all staff, free of charge.

When and how will I be paid?

You will be paid on the last Friday of July, August and/or September, depending on the dates of your employment, via the PAYE scheme. Payment is made by bank transfer. It is not possible to pay staff by cash. On occasions it may be possible to pay staff by cheque, but this is the exception, not the rule. We prefer all our staff to have UK bank accounts, but where this is not possible, staff must provide both an IBAN and BIC number so we can process the payment.

Is there a laundry service?

The school laundry washes clothes and bed linen for students and staff once per week, free of charge. There maybe some disruption to this service at Harrow School in 2010 due to a major extension to the laundry and sports centre.

What is the reporting structure?

Activity Staff report to Activity Leaders, who in turn report to the Course Director. EFL teachers report to the Director of Studies and the Assistant Director of Studies. All staff ultimately report to the Business Manager and Business Director of Harrow School Enterprises Ltd.

Do I need to apply for a CRB check?

All staff working with children have to undergo an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, even if you usually work abroad or have worked for us before. Overseas staff will be required to apply for the CRB equivalent for the country they are living in. The CRB process will be explained at interview.

Do I have to follow any kind of syllabus (EFL teachers only)?

BABSSCo provides an outline of the topics which are to be covered for each level and for each age group. Teachers are responsible for the detailed planning of their lessons, although resources, support and guidance are available from the Director of Studies.