Librarian - Immediate start

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is looking for a Librarian for an immediate start.

About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 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. 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; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

School Overview

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) is a leading British curriculum school (ages 3–18), committed to academic excellence, character development, and a holistic education. As part of the Cognita family of schools, RGSGD combines the heritage of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK, with a forward-thinking and ambitious educational vision.

As the Senior School continues to grow, RGSGD is preparing for its first public examination cohorts, with early GCSE entries in 2026, the first full GCSE cohort in 2027, and first A Level (A2) examinations in 2029.

JOB PURPOSE

The Librarian will have responsibility for the purchase, set up, stock and maintenance of an innovative, exciting and dynamic school library within RGSGD.  This role will be integral in continuing to establish the library and love of reading as a central component of the school. They will provide support on the delivery of RGSGD values, learning habits and strategic vision.  They will be integral in administering, promoting and maintaining a stimulating and welcoming environment in the school library and contribute to the provision of a high standard of service to meet the needs of pupils and staff and the school.  As RGSGD emphasises the importance of developing the independent learning skills of our pupils, the librarian’s role is crucial in assisting with the imparting of information for literacy and research skills alongside the day-to-day running of the library.

SPECIFIC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

This role will maintain and expand the provision as time goes on, ensuring that a love of learning, reading and research is developed.  They will have oversight of all resources within the Senior Library, ensuring that these resources complement the British curriculum, encourage scholarship, support pupils’ wider interests and encourage reading for pleasure.

Vision, Policy and Practice 

• Develop the vision for the library within RGSGD

• Inspire dynamic use of the library facilities to enhance the learning of all pupils

• Ensure all policy and practice for effective library use is drafted and approved by the principal

Identification and Support

• Work closely with the Heads of English to ensure the smooth running of the library

• Work alongside teachers to embed reading within the school curriculum

• Work closely with the Prep Librarian to ensure continuity between the two libraries and a smooth transition for pupils from Prep to Senior.

• Promote high expectations of reading and use of the library.

• Support classroom and subject specialist teachers in the use of the library.

• Oversee the implementation evidence-based programmes of intervention for individual and small groups of pupils if needed for behavioural and pastoral reasons

Accountability 

• Support staff and pupils in the use of library resources

• Assist with research skills and project-based work in the library and liaise with teaching staff to develop this.

• Organise and lead staff and pupil induction sessions.

• Encourage & organise pupil voice, e.g. Library Ambassador

• Ensure the smooth day to day administration of circulation systems

• Maintain a welcoming environment, with engaging displays, that is conducive to study & with engaging displays, which promotes the RGS values

• Supervise, guide, inspire and assist pupils using the library and in developing independent research skills.

• Ensure stock selection is current, age-appropriate & aligned with UAE cultural values & KHDA requirements

• Acquisition, cataloguing, processing & organisation of resources

• Develop & maintain newspaper and periodicals collection as appropriate

• Liaise with academic departments regarding subject specific resources, reading lists and recommendations

• Organise literacy events to inspire pupils; book clubs, author visits and competitions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Model the RGS Values and Learning Habits in all language and interactions

• Commitment to staff and student wellbeing, parent education and supporting the development of a strong culture of community

• Comply with and demonstrate an active commitment to safeguarding policies, procedures and code of conduct

• Follow all school policies, procedures and handbook

• Take a proactive and professional approach to school life and professional development

• Respect and maintain all aspect of professional confidentiality

• Undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested

Experience:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in Education desirable

• And/or a professional qualification in librarianship, information management or information science is preferred

• English speaker

• British curriculum experience

• Excellent presentation and communication skills

• Proven track record of setting up, running and resourcing a school library provision

To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years.