At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for boarders, creating a nurturing home-from-home environment.
- Company: Shiplake College, a vibrant independent school in beautiful countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunches, pension scheme, gym access, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a co-educational school with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a dynamic boarding environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth development, strong communication skills, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a vibrant, caring and dedicated Housemaster/Housemistress to join our boys’ boarding house starting in September 2026. Applications are welcome from teaching and non-teaching candidates.
You will be responsible for the safety, welfare and pastoral care of boarders, working closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and the wider pastoral team to ensure the highest standards of care. Together with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, House Pastoral Leader and a dedicated team of tutors, you will create a warm, supportive home-from-home environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and personally.
You will build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them develop self-reliance, confidence and resilience whilst providing the guidance and support they need during their time at Shiplake College.
We're looking for someone with a genuine passion for young people's wellbeing and development, with the warmth, empathy and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff. You'll be organised, reliable and calm under pressure, able to manage multiple responsibilities and respond effectively to the varied demands of boarding life. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to always maintain appropriate boundaries and professional standards.
The successful candidate will be flexible, enthusiastic and proactive, with the resilience and sense of humour needed to thrive in a busy boarding environment. You'll share our values and ethos and be committed to providing an outstanding boarding experience for every pupil in your care.
Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co-educational. Situated in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.
We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment.
Early applications are encouraged for this role. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.
Closing date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Interviews will be held the following week commencing 2 February 2026.
A candidate pack together with an application form are available from Shiplake College.
Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Housemaster/Housemistress in Market Harborough employer: HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
Shiplake College is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for Housemasters and Housemistresses dedicated to the wellbeing of young people. With a commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits including free lunches and access to outstanding facilities, our staff thrive in a vibrant community set in beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames. Join us in creating a warm, home-from-home atmosphere where pupils can flourish academically and personally.
Contact Details:
HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemaster/Housemistress in Market Harborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Shiplake College or similar schools. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and how you’ve positively impacted students.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for situational questions! Think about how you’d handle various scenarios in a boarding environment. We want to see your problem-solving skills and how you’d create that warm, supportive atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Shiplake College.
We think you need these skills to ace Housemaster/Housemistress in Market Harborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your genuine passion for young people's wellbeing shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a supportive environment for the pupils.
Be Personal and Relatable:Use a friendly tone and share personal experiences that highlight your interpersonal skills. We love seeing how you've built positive relationships in the past, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Make sure to mention your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. We’re looking for someone who can stay calm under pressure, so give us examples of how you’ve managed busy situations before.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housemaster/Housemistress. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of boarding life and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for pupils. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since building strong relationships is key in this role, prepare examples that highlight your ability to connect with young people, parents, and staff. Think about times when you've successfully supported someone or resolved a conflict, as these stories will demonstrate your warmth and empathy during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is crucial for managing multiple responsibilities in a busy boarding environment. Be ready to discuss your strategies for staying organised and how you prioritise tasks. You might even want to share a specific example of a time when your organisational skills made a difference in a challenging situation.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing
The school is looking for someone passionate about the wellbeing and development of young people. Prepare to talk about your views on pastoral care and how you would ensure every pupil feels safe and supported. Sharing your vision for fostering resilience and confidence in students will resonate well with the interviewers.
