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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the boarding community, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
- Company: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, a forward-thinking independent school in the UK.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic and ambitious setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of boarding life and foster a thriving community for students.
- Qualifications: Experienced boarding professional with leadership skills and a commitment to pupil wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a supportive senior leadership team and engage with a vibrant school community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) is one of the UK’s most ambitious and forward-thinking independent schools. Renowned for its scale, innovation and exceptional pastoral provision, the Collegiate offers a vibrant, high-performance environment in which young people are supported to thrive academically, socially and personally.
QE now seeks to appoint an outstanding Head of Boarding to provide strategic and inspirational leadership across its boarding community. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead one of the most significant boarding operations in the country. The successful candidate will have overarching responsibility for the quality, culture and consistency of boarding life, ensuring that every pupil feels safe, supported and able to flourish within a warm, purposeful and aspirational environment.
Working closely with senior leaders, house teams and a wide range of professional services colleagues, the Head of Boarding will set a clear vision for pastoral excellence, model best practice and drive continuous improvement. They will bring both strategic oversight and a visible, values-led presence, with the credibility and emotional intelligence to lead large teams and engage confidently with pupils, parents and staff.
The Head of Boarding will also play a key role in student recruitment and retention, recognising the central importance of the boarding experience to the Collegiate’s success. They will act as a senior ambassador for boarding, contributing to admissions activity, engaging with prospective families and ensuring that the lived boarding experience consistently delivers on the school’s promise. Through strong relationships, high standards and an exceptional pupil experience, the postholder will support retention and foster long-term commitment from pupils and families.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced boarding professional with a strong track record of leadership, an in-depth understanding of safeguarding and compliance, and a deep commitment to pupil wellbeing. Equally important is the ability to balance high standards with empathy, and structure with care creating a boarding culture that is both highly organised and deeply human.
Queen Ethelburga’s offers a distinctive and dynamic context: fast-paced, well-resourced and unashamedly ambitious. In return, the school provides the opportunity to make a genuinely significant impact, supported by an engaged senior leadership team and a collegiate, professional community. This is a role for an individual of presence, warmth and clarity of purpose, someone excited by scale, complexity and the chance to lead boarding at the highest level.
How to apply
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement. The closing date for applications is 22 February 2026.
Applications should consist of:
- A completed application form.
- A covering letter (2 pages of A4) outlining your motivation and details of how you meet the qualification, skills and experience criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in your application form, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.
Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please get in touch with:
- Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7596 954 387
- Alasdair Redwood at alasdair.redwood@andersonquigley.com +44 (0) 7394 012 383
Head of Boarding employer: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
Contact Detail:
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate 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. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the school's values and culture. Show how your leadership style aligns with their vision for pastoral excellence and pupil wellbeing. We want to see that you can bring warmth and clarity to the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your strategic ideas for enhancing the boarding experience. Think about how you can foster strong relationships with pupils and families, and be prepared to share examples of your past successes in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Boarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for the role and how your experience aligns with the school's vision. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the Head of Boarding position.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style in action! Highlight specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and foster a positive boarding culture. Be sure to connect these examples to the values of Queen Ethelburga’s.
Be Clear and Organised: Clarity is key! Ensure your application form is filled out neatly and accurately. Double-check for any typos or errors, as attention to detail reflects your professionalism and commitment to high standards.
Engage with Us: If you have questions or need more info, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Hayley or Alasdair for a chat about the role. It shows initiative and helps you get a better understanding of what we’re looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Queen Ethelburga’s ethos, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their unique approach to boarding will help you align your vision with theirs and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Boarding, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams, fostered a positive culture, and improved student experiences in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Highlight your ability to connect with pupils, parents, and staff. Share anecdotes that showcase your empathy and understanding of pupil wellbeing, as this is key to creating a supportive boarding environment. Make it clear that you value relationships as much as results.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the school's vision for the future of boarding or how they measure success in their pastoral care. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
