At a Glance
- 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‑managing 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 is 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 be 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 jobs@loretto.com. 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 - Holm House in Musselburgh employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemaster or Housemistress - Holm House in Musselburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Loretto School and Holm House to understand their values and what they look for in a Housemaster or Housemistress. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members at Loretto School through LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a Housemaster or Housemistress, like handling conflicts or supporting students academically. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨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 the role. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and passion for working with students!
We think you need these skills to ace Housemaster or Housemistress - Holm House in Musselburgh
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 you have. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs!
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 the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at jobs@loretto.com. We’re here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housemaster or Housemistress. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of a boarding environment and how you can support pupils' welfare and academic development. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in residential settings and how it has prepared you for this role. Highlight any relevant teaching qualifications, coaching experience, or skills that align with the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your ability to manage competing demands effectively.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the house team dynamics, and how they support staff development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your approach to teamwork and communication. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in a boarding or educational context. This will highlight your leadership potential and ability to foster a positive environment.