Head of Boarding and Residential Life in Wells-next-the-Sea

CATS Cambridge offers an outstanding international pre-university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. Students live and work at the Cambridge campus, studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff. We are committed to the safeguarding, health and well-being of our students.

The Head of Residential Life reports to the Deputy Head Wellbeing and leads the boarding community at CATS Cambridge. They are responsible for overseeing the welfare, safety, and pastoral care of all boarders, managing a team of House Parents and boarding staff, and ensuring a supportive, inclusive, and engaging residential environment. The role requires strong leadership, a commitment to safeguarding, and a passion for nurturing students' personal, social, and academic development.

Qualifications And Experience

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Safeguarding qualifications, or willingness to train as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications (or willingness to complete training).
• Experience or formal training in boarding management is highly desirable.
• Significant experience in a pastoral, residential, or boarding environment, preferably in an educational setting and working with international students.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including line-managing staff teams.
• Experience of developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Track record of promoting student welfare, pastoral care, and safeguarding.

Skills And Qualities

• Ability to lead a diverse team, set high standards, and foster professional development.
• Comprehensive understanding of child protection legislation, safeguarding procedures, and pastoral care practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies or challenging situations.
• Strong administrative skills, including record-keeping, reporting, and policy management.
• Approachable, empathetic, and able to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Aware of the needs of international students and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to student welfare and safeguarding.
• Energetic, approachable, and enthusiastic about residential life.
• Professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing priorities.
• Committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive boarding community.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to live on-site or be available for evening/weekend duties as required.
• Willingness to work in accordance with CATS Cambridge safeguarding, health and safety, and school policies.
• Commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with developments in boarding and pastoral care.

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 an 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 Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.