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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant boarding house, ensuring pupils thrive academically and socially.
- Company: Join Loretto School, a top independent school near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy free accommodation, generous pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while living on-site.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification or sports coaching experience required.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Loretto School is one of Britain's leading independent boarding and day schools located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We have an exciting opportunity for a Housemistress or Housemaster to join our Team. Holm House is a Senior Girls House for both day and boarding pupils.
Main purpose of the role
The Housemaster or Housemistress (Hm) is responsible for all aspects of pupils' welfare, academic and general development, health, safety and discipline in their House. The role involves leading a boarding house, supported by an Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress (AHM) and a team of resident and non-resident boarding assistants.
You will:
- Ensure that every pupil in the House develops their social, co-curricular and academic potential to the fullest extent in line with the aims of the School.
- Offer guidance to pupils so that they may achieve their academic potential, and keep relevant colleagues fully informed of any pastoral difficulties that may affect academic performance.
- Co-ordinate all information received from parents, staff and outside agencies about individual pupils and distribute the information as necessary and sensible.
- Lead the house team including line manage the AHM and Senior House Managers.
You will be required to live on site in the boarding house. Accommodation is provided free with charges for utilities. In addition, it is anticipated that the post holder will teach or coach sport. This will depend on the subject specialism of the successful candidate and the availability of teaching. Experience in teaching Mathematics or in a support for learning role are of interest. For sports coaching, experience in netball is desirable. This is a permanent, full-time post working term time only. Loretto has its own salary scale and salary will be determined by experience and aptitude for the role.
Experience, skills and qualification
You will have a recognised teaching qualification and be registered with the GTCS or in the process of achieving this. OR you will have experience of playing or coaching a sport e.g., Netball to a high standard, along with relevant coaching and umpiring qualifications. In addition you will have:
- Previous residential experience in a boarding environment is essential.
- Experience of working with children in a residential setting is essential.
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage competing demands.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven experience of working as part of a team.
All residential boarding staff in Scotland are required to have professional registration. For this appointment the successful applicant will be required to have or be capable of achieving GTCS registration or register with the Scottish Social Services Council and undertake the necessary training and professional development to maintain their registration.
Benefits
You will enjoy the excellent benefits of working with Loretto which include:
- Generous pension scheme.
- Family friendly policies.
- Free lunches during term time.
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development.
- A range of staff benefits including Bike to Work Scheme.
- School Fees Remission (non-contractual benefit).
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community.
Application
If you think this is the right opportunity for you, please apply through the School Talent website. You will be asked to submit a CV and supporting statement as part of the application process. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this post.
Closing Date: Sunday 8 February 2026 at 11:59pm.
Housemaster or Housemistress employer: School Talent
Contact Detail:
School Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemaster or Housemistress
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Loretto School and understand its values and ethos. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through educational forums. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in a boarding environment, especially regarding pupil welfare and discipline. We want to see your experience shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Loretto team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Housemaster or Housemistress
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about their welfare and development, so share personal experiences that highlight your commitment!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Housemaster or Housemistress role. Highlight relevant experience in boarding environments and any teaching or coaching qualifications. We love seeing how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to really sell yourself! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Holm House. Be specific about your skills and experiences that align with our values and the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through the School Talent website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Loretto School!
How to prepare for a job interview at School Talent
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Loretto School thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and the specific needs of Holm House. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Children
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with children in a residential setting. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed welfare, discipline, or academic support. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Housemaster or Housemistress.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to convey your leadership style and how you manage a diverse group. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others, especially in a boarding environment, and how you plan to support your Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about potential challenges you might face in a boarding house and how you would address them. This will show your proactive approach and readiness for the role.