Two year Fixed Term Contract
“ Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life.
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ISI Inspection
ISI Inspection
” Both in and out of class, behaviour is excellent.
“ Pupils of all ages have a mature understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity and tolerance of individual differences. ISI Inspection
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Thank you for your interest in the position of IT Service Desk Technician Apprentice at the Royal Grammar School Guildford.
The RGS boasts a diverse, vibrant community of individuals in both teaching and support roles who take pride in the success of their School.
The School’s success presents itself in its most recent GCSE and A level results (80% at Grade 8/9 and 50% at Grade A* respectively); in the large number of student applications year on year (consistently four applications for every place); the ISI inspection report in which the RGS was rated ‘Excellent’ across all aspects of School life; in the range of sporting achievements and in the staff who are proud to say that they work here.
Our boys are “excellent listeners who contribute to discussion with great respect” and “display excellent attitudes to their learning” (ISI report, February 2022). The academic standards in the School are excellent and the curriculum is enriched by an extensive extra-curricular programme in which all academic staff are expected to participate; sports and the arts are an important element in School life.
The benefits of working here go beyond those listed in the job description; if you accept an offer of employment, you would be joining a staff body that collaborates professionally and socially across all departments.
The RGS is an exciting place in which to be a member of staff; I look forward to receiving an application from you.
HEADMASTER
Our school, with approximately 1300 students and over 300 staff, operates across multiple sites and manages a fleet of 1500 mobile devices, primarily Microsoft Surfaces. The IT Services team is a crucial part of our operations, providing technical support, setting up and supporting presentations and events, delivering training, and conducting maintenance and upgrades.
You will be joining a close-knit team of ten dedicated professionals in the IT Services department. Our team is diverse, comprising first and second line technicians, systems engineers, and data management professionals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit and our commitment to providing exceptional IT support across the school.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join us as an IT Services Apprentice. This role is perfect for someone eager to start their career in IT, keen to learn, and ready to contribute to a dynamic team.
The role will report to the IT Service Delivery Manager who, in turn, reports to the Director of IT.
As a member of the support staff, you will be part of a large and friendly community of professionals dedicated to enhancing our students' education and overall experience. Our support staff play a vital role in creating a positive and effective learning environment, ensuring that both students and staff have the resources and assistance they need to succeed.
You will work across both of our UK school sites based in Guildford, each with its unique character and needs. This will provide you with a diverse and dynamic work environment, offering varied experiences and opportunities for professional growth. You will collaborate closely with teachers, students, support staff and parents fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
By joining our team, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the day-to-day operations of our schools, contributing to the smooth running of IT services and supporting the educational mission of our institution. Your efforts will directly influence the quality of education and the student experience, making your role both rewarding and impactful
Responsible to: IT Service Delivery Manager
The IT Services Apprentice is responsible for providing first-line technical support to all members of the school community. This ranges from primary age students, to sixth form students, to staff, governors and parents.
The role requires a highly enthusiastic and positive individual who can stay calm in a busy environment. They will be keen to work within a dynamic IT team and able to adapt and learn quickly.
Flexibility with time keeping is essential as occasional out of hours work may be required.
• Provide first-line technical support and solutions to staff and students in a clear and understandable way.
• Help manage, configure, and prepare Microsoft Surface computers for staff and students.
• Assist in managing user accounts across multiple systems, including Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft 365.
• Provide support for Microsoft Teams telephones, printers, photocopiers, and audiovisual equipment among other systems.
• Prepare and set up audio-visual equipment for presentations and events as required.
• Participate in and assist with various IT-related projects as assigned by the IT Service Desk Manager and Director of IT.
Qualifications
Any level of qualification in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Azure technologies.
Experience
Experience using Microsoft 365 apps, including Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Windows.
Knowledge & Skills
Ability to demonstrate a keen interest in technology, either at home, in education or in the workplace.
Excellent time keeping and organisation skills
Full clean driving license and own transport
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to communicate technical concepts and processes clearly to users of any age.
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build positive, supportive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the organization.
Commitment to engaging with and completing the college course.
An ability to work under pressure with a positive attitude.
An ability to work closely with IT help desk colleagues in a positive and productive way.
Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to department colleagues, key people within the School and fellow new starters from across the departments.
Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and field trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football and a wind band. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.
Abinash Budha
System Engineer, joined 2011
What do you love about your department? Team work, Friendly co-workers, Flexibility.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Cooking, Gardening, Watching movies.
Data Manager, joined 2010
What do you love about your department? There's never a day there's not something to laugh about!
If you could choose any other career, what would it be? I might be tempted to go back to being a record producer again, if the budget was right.
Sean Comer
Service Delivery Manager, joined 2021
What's the best thing about working at the RGS?
The team I work with. The varied work we do. Working on the High Street.
Which staff social groups are you involved in? Staff football.
In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits:
Hours of work
Remuneration
Fee reduction
Annual Leave
Private healthcare
Pension
Commuting Loan
Two year fixed term contract. Full time, 40 hours per week inc. breaks. 08.30 to 16.30 during term time, 08.30 to 15.30 during the school holidays.
£13,620 per annum
Fee reduction for son(s) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
28 days leave plus bank holidays, the majority to be taken during school holidays.
Private medical cover is available for all staff. This is paid for by the School, but is a taxable benefit so there is an indirect cost to the individual.
All support staff are automatically enrolled into the company pension scheme. The level of contribution by the individual is 5%; the School will contribute 10%.
Interest-free loans are available for rail season ticket holders.
Gym Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.
Dining
Employee Assistance Programme
A choice of hot lunches, a delicious salad bar and range of desserts are provided daily in the staff dining room during term time.
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do.
Boys come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place.
The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all boys study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which boys study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the boys’ time at the School.
The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all boys studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are co-educational, organised jointly with Guildford High School.
All boys are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme. Whilst not curricular, there is an expectation that staff will support this provision as their experience and expertise enables.
All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme and numerous sports tours. Staff are invited to attend and support all of these events.
Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.
Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
William Cobbett “
The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life.
The setting:
The Surrey Hills
North Downs
South Downs
Picturesque villages
The south coast
Travel by rail:
Clapham Junction 29 minutes
London Waterloo 39 minutes
Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes
Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Travel by road:
London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
North Downs
The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
