At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a boarding house, ensuring pastoral care and personal development for all pupils.
- Company: Ratcliffe College, a thriving Catholic community focused on exceptional boarding experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation, and 50% fee remission for school-age children.
- Other info: Join a values-driven community committed to faith, service, and belonging.
- Why this job: Shape the boarding experience and foster a supportive community for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in boarding or pastoral leadership with strong relational skills.
The predicted salary is between 39949 - 39949 £ per year.
Ratcliffe College is seeking to appoint an outstanding non-teaching resident Senior Housemaster to lead one of our boarding houses and play a central role in shaping the lived experience of boarding within our thriving Catholic community. This is an exciting opportunity to join a College where boarding is a key strategic priority, and where inspection evidence from December 2025 highlights a high-quality pastoral environment in which pupils feel safe, supported and develop a strong sense of belonging.
About the Role
The Resident Senior Housemaster is responsible for the pastoral care, welfare and personal development of all pupils in the House, leading a dedicated team of boarding staff to create a warm, structured and aspirational "home from home." You will play a vital role in ensuring that boarders:
- Feel known, valued and supported
- Develop independence, responsibility and resilience
- Fully engage in the academic, co-curricular and spiritual life of the College
Working closely with the Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission), you will help deliver a boarding experience that reflects the College’s ambition to be a sector leader in pastoral care and community life. You will also support the staffing of the College’s holiday programmes.
The Person
We are seeking a candidate who:
- Has experience in boarding or pastoral leadership
- Is a strong, visible and relational leader, able to build trust with pupils and staff
- Has high expectations and a commitment to outstanding pastoral care
- Is organised, resilient and able to manage a dynamic residential environment
- Is committed to supporting and promoting the Catholic Life and Mission of the College
Applications are particularly welcomed from baptised, practising Roman Catholics, but applications are also very welcome from candidates of other faiths, or none, providing they are willing to support and actively promote the Catholic Life and Mission of the College.
What We Offer
A salary of £39,949 plus suitable accommodation according to the needs of the successful candidate, in addition to fee remission of 50% for any school-age children (subject to the meeting of entrance requirements). This is a full-time, non-teaching position. This opportunity is underpinned by:
- A genuinely purposeful leadership role within a strong pastoral system
- The opportunity to shape the experience of boarding within a growing and ambitious school
- A supportive and values-driven community, rooted in faith, service and belonging
This is a role for someone who understands that successful boarding is not just about organisation, but about relationships, presence and culture. At Ratcliffe, you will not simply run a boarding house. You will lead a community in which young people grow, belong and flourish.
For more information about this role, please contact the Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr James Rainer (jrainer@ratcliffecollege.com), or the incumbent Housemaster, Mr Jose Estevez (jestevez@ratcliffecollege.com).
Resident Senior Housemaster — Boarding & Pastoral Leader in Leicester employer: Catholic Recruitment
Ratcliffe College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a boarding house within a supportive and values-driven Catholic community. With a strong emphasis on pastoral care and personal development, employees benefit from a purposeful leadership role, competitive salary, and fee remission for school-age children, all while fostering meaningful relationships in a thriving environment. Join us to make a significant impact on the lives of young people as they grow and flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Resident Senior Housemaster — Boarding & Pastoral Leader in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in boarding or pastoral care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend relevant events, workshops, or conferences related to boarding and pastoral leadership. This is your chance to meet potential employers face-to-face and showcase your passion for creating a supportive community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a school or college that aligns with your values, don’t wait for a job posting. Reach out directly to express your interest and share how you can contribute to their boarding experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and stand out. Tailor your approach to highlight your experience in pastoral care and your commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for students.
We think you need these skills to ace Resident Senior Housemaster — Boarding & Pastoral Leader in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care:When writing your application, let your passion for pastoral care shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past and how you plan to create a nurturing environment at Ratcliffe College.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Make sure to emphasise your leadership skills and experience in boarding or pastoral roles. We want to see how you've built trust and relationships with pupils and staff, so don't hold back on those stories!
Align with Our Values:Since we're rooted in faith and community, it's important to reflect our values in your application. Whether you're a practising Catholic or not, show us how you can support and promote the Catholic Life and Mission of the College.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows that you’re serious about joining our community at Ratcliffe College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Recruitment
✨Know the College's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Ratcliffe College's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to pastoral care and community life. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Senior Housemaster, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've built trust and relationships in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully led a team or supported students, highlighting your ability to create a warm and structured environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a boarding context. Think about scenarios involving student welfare or conflict resolution. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would handle these situations, showcasing your resilience and organisational skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the boarding experience at Ratcliffe College and the expectations for the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and leadership style.
