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- Tasks: Lead and develop a vibrant boarding community for international students in central London.
- Company: Guildhouse School, a unique boarding school fostering creativity and global connections.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a cycle scheme, health support, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Shape a distinctive boarding experience that empowers students to thrive away from home.
- Qualifications: Experience in boarding or pastoral leadership with a warm, approachable style.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to student welfare and academic excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About Guildhouse School
Guildhouse School, located in the heart of Bloomsbury in central London, is a boarding school for ages 15+ that provides an immersive international environment for ideas and creativity, where students are empowered to make a positive impact on our world. The school offers an outstanding international pre‑university educational experience, with small class sizes, to students from all over the world. Housed in three beautiful grade two listed buildings, the school is the first high school in Europe to have a Bloomberg Business Lab. Students at Guildhouse School are studying for A levels and University Foundation Programmes and preparing for admission to universities across the UK and abroad. We pride ourselves on our approach to high quality and personalised teaching and learning experiences, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff. Our ethos and culture for students is Work Hard, Aim High & Be Kind.
Role Overview
Guildhouse School is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Boarding (Residential) to lead and develop its boarding provision in the heart of central London. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for Premier House, the Schools modern boarding residence in Bloomsbury, accommodating around 100 students in self‑contained clusters of en‑suite rooms with shared kitchen facilities. Located just five to ten minutes walk from the school site, Premier House offers a distinctive urban boarding model that requires clarity of systems, strong pastoral leadership, and a highly visible residential presence. Guildhouse is not a traditional boarding school, and that is very much part of its strength. Our international student body brings energy, diversity, and ambition, and boarding plays a central role in providing stability, care, and belonging for students living far from home. We are fully compliant with regulatory requirements, but we are equally ambitious to ensure that boarding is warm, purposeful, and genuinely enriching.
The successful candidate will live on site and will provide strategic and operational leadership of boarding. Working closely with the Headteacher as a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team, they will ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, compliance, and student welfare, while also shaping a boarding culture that balances structure with warmth and high expectations. The role will suit an experienced boarding or senior pastoral leader who combines regulatory rigour with human warmth, and who is confident operating in a fast‑paced, urban environment. The post holder will lead and manage the boarding staff team, maintain strong relationships with parents and agents, and ensure Premier House operates as a safe, well‑run home for students. During summer periods, Premier House is used by Stafford House London. Programme leadership and safeguarding sit with Stafford House during these periods, while Guildhouse retains responsibility for the day‑to‑day operational management of the building. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who wants to shape and lead a distinctive boarding provision in a school that is outward‑looking, student‑centred and ambitious.
Benefits
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Car Scheme
- Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
- Free eye tests
- Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Group income protection
- GP24: GP Access for all
- Health Cash Plan
- Death in Service
- Long service awards
- Employee referral scheme
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
About Cats Global Schools (cgs)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China. Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real‑life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well‑developed links to over 40 top global universities. We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well‑being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.
Head of Boarding employer: CATS Global Schools
Contact Detail:
CATS Global Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Boarding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in boarding schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend education fairs, workshops, or any events related to boarding schools. It’s a great way to meet potential employers face-to-face and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a school you’re interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly to express your interest and ask about future opportunities. We love initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who align with our values at Guildhouse School.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Boarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Head of Boarding role. Highlight your relevant experience in pastoral leadership and how you can contribute to our vibrant boarding community at Guildhouse School.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working with international students and creating a warm, supportive environment. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a positive impact on students' lives!
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail and care about making a great impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at CATS Global Schools
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, make sure you understand Guildhouse School's ethos of 'Work Hard, Aim High & Be Kind'. Reflect on how your leadership style aligns with this philosophy and be ready to share examples of how you've fostered a positive environment in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Leadership
As the Head of Boarding, strong pastoral leadership is key. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing boarding provisions or similar environments. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented to ensure student welfare and create a sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds.
✨Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements related to boarding schools. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance while maintaining a warm and enriching environment. This shows that you can balance structure with care, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with the Community
Guildhouse School values strong relationships with parents and agents. Think about how you've built community ties in your past roles. Be ready to share your ideas on how to maintain open communication and foster trust with families, ensuring they feel involved in their children's boarding experience.
