Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the pastoral life of our Senior Girls’ House and support students' personal development.
- Company: The Purcell School, a vibrant community for young musicians.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free accommodation, meals, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering creativity and kindness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while nurturing their musical talents.
- Qualifications: Experience in boarding practice and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34963 - 40362 £ per year.
The Purcell School seeks to appoint an outstanding Head of Boarding House to lead the pastoral life of our Senior Girls’ House. This is an important leadership role within a full boarding community of young musicians who are deeply committed to their craft and to one another. The role requires sound professional judgement, substantial experience of boarding practice and confidence in leading adults within a residential environment.
Life at The Purcell School is shaped by curiosity, dedication, creativity and kindness. Our students are serious about music, but they are also adolescents navigating friendship, identity, ambition and uncertainty. Boarding provides the continuity and stability that allows them to take intellectual and creative risks, practise with focus and feel supported through the inevitable challenges of growing up.
The Head of Boarding House plays a central role in creating an environment in which students feel known, understood and appropriately challenged. Through clarity, consistency and strong relationships, the Head of Boarding House supports students in developing independence, responsibility and confidence, enabling them to flourish both academically and personally.
Working in close partnership with the Director of Boarding and the wider pastoral team, the Head of Boarding House ensures that the lived experience of students reflects the School’s commitment to high standards of care, thoughtful structure and genuine warmth. The Head of Boarding House reports to the Director of Boarding and contributes to the consistent implementation of expectations across the boarding community.
While the role does not include a teaching timetable, the Head of Boarding House is an educator within the boarding context and plays a central role in students’ personal development, sense of belonging and capacity to engage fully with the opportunities offered by a specialist music education. The Head of Boarding House contributes directly to the School’s compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and plays an important role in ensuring that safeguarding practice is embedded consistently in the daily experience of students.
The Head of Boarding House provides leadership of the day-to-day life of the house, establishing an environment in which students feel safe, supported and able to develop increasing independence and maturity. The role requires the ability to combine relational warmth with professional clarity, creating a culture in which expectations are understood, boundaries are consistent and students experience adult responses as consistent and fair.
The post holder leads the house team and is responsible for ensuring consistency of approach in pastoral care, safeguarding practice, behaviour expectations and communication with students and families. The post holder exercises professional judgement in maintaining standards and supporting students’ development within a busy residential environment.
Boarding at The Purcell School is distinctive. Students balance academic study with significant individual practice, ensemble rehearsals, performances and auditions. The Head of Boarding House guides students in managing the rhythms of this specialist environment, helping them develop sustainable routines, healthy perspectives and strong peer relationships within a community of high aspiration.
The Head of Boarding House works closely with academic colleagues, safeguarding leads and parents, recognising that boarding is integral to students’ wider development and success.
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to apply, please complete the School’s Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae. Personal statements should outline your experience and evidence your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you to contribute to an outstanding student experience. Interviews will explore pastoral experience, the ability to relate appropriately to students and a willingness to contribute to the whole School community. Candidates will be required to bring evidence of identity to the interview.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 20th May 2026.
Interviews to be held on: Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Start date: 1st January 2027.
Safeguarding
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo all appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
Terms and Benefits
This is a residential role during term-time. The Head of Boarding House is expected to play a full part in the life of the boarding community, including evening and weekend responsibilities, together with scheduled periods away from duty during school holidays and Exeat weekends. A protected 24-hour period off duty is provided each week. Salary will be commensurate with experience and reflects the seniority and responsibility of the role. The expected range is £34,963 – £40,362 per annum. Accommodation is provided for the duration of employment. Subject to HMRC regulations, accommodation is provided free of rent, council tax and utilities. Meals are provided without charge in the School dining hall during term time. The position is subject to a six-month probationary period and regular professional review.
For full details of the role's responsibilities and person specification, please visit our website.
Head of Boarding House Senior Girls' House (residential, non-teaching) employer: PURCELL SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
PURCELL SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Boarding House Senior Girls' House (residential, non-teaching)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, dive into The Purcell School's values and ethos. Understanding their commitment to creativity and kindness will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some real-life examples! Think about your past experiences in boarding or pastoral care. Be ready to share stories that highlight your leadership skills and how you've supported students in developing independence and confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for music education! Since this role is within a community of young musicians, express your enthusiasm for supporting their artistic journeys. Talk about how you can help them balance their academic and musical commitments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the boarding community at The Purcell School.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Boarding House Senior Girls' House (residential, non-teaching)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for The Purcell School's vibe. Understanding our values and the unique environment we create will help you tailor your personal statement to show how you fit in.
Craft Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and achievements, especially those that relate to pastoral care and leadership. We want to see how you can contribute to our students' growth and well-being.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form and writing your personal statement, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will make it easier for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Submit Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at PURCELL SCHOOL
✨Know Your Boarding Experience
Make sure you can articulate your experience in boarding environments. Think about specific examples where you've demonstrated leadership, pastoral care, and how you've supported students through their challenges. This will show that you understand the unique dynamics of a boarding house.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare to discuss how you build strong relationships with students and staff alike. Share anecdotes that highlight your ability to create a supportive and nurturing environment, as this is crucial for the role. Remember, it's all about making students feel known and understood.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance. Highlight any previous experience you have in safeguarding practices and how you would implement them consistently within the boarding community.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your experience in collaboration. Discuss how you’ve partnered with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders to enhance student experiences and outcomes, showcasing your commitment to the whole school community.