At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young musicians in a nurturing boarding environment during weekends and occasional weekdays.
- Company: St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s specialist music school in a vibrant Edinburgh setting.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, opportunity to work with talented students, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering musical talent and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the lives of aspiring musicians while enjoying a dynamic work atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Energetic, adaptable, and ideally experienced in pastoral care or working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
St Mary’s Music School is seeking to appoint a Houseparent to work on a part-time basis in the Boarding House. The post holder will work primarily at weekends, either daytime (8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm) and/or overnight (5pm to 8am or 6pm to 9am) shifts, and occasionally during the week (4pm to 8am), dependent on availability.
The successful candidate will work closely with all boarding house staff to develop consistent and effective pastoral care of all boarders. Houseparents are responsible for ensuring that boarders’ wellbeing and happiness is met and ensuring boarders remain safe and well looked after.
Houseparents should be energetic, adaptable and sympathetic to the needs of young musicians and ideally should have a background or training in pastoral care.
St Mary’s Music School is Scotland’s specialist music school and the Choir School of St Mary’s Cathedral. It is situated in a leafy campus in the heart of Edinburgh, a short walk away from Haymarket Station. Co-educational, day and boarding, the School provides specialist music training and an impressive and stimulating academic education for pupils aged 9 to 19 showing special ability and potential in music.
Around 75 pupils, including day pupils, boarders and choristers, come from many different backgrounds and from all parts of Scotland, as well as elsewhere in the UK and abroad. St Mary’s Music School aims to provide the highest possible standard of education and training to exceptionally gifted young musicians, in an inspiring, inclusive and supportive environment.
Closing Date: 9am, Wednesday 17th June 2026.
Part-Time Houseparent employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
St Mary’s Music School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a nurturing environment dedicated to the wellbeing of young musicians. With a focus on pastoral care and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow and develop their skills while contributing to the happiness and safety of boarders. Located in the picturesque heart of Edinburgh, the school provides a vibrant community where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time Houseparent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St Mary’s Music School on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for pastoral care! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the school, share your experiences and how you can contribute to the wellbeing of the boarders. We want to see that energy and adaptability shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and ethos. We should be ready to discuss how our approach aligns with their mission to support young musicians. Tailoring our responses can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of any updates or additional opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time Houseparent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for supporting young musicians. Share any relevant experiences or training in pastoral care that highlight your ability to nurture and ensure the wellbeing of boarders.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Houseparent role. Mention how your skills and experiences align with the needs of St Mary’s Music School and its vibrant community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your thoughts, and avoid unnecessary jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St Mary’s Music School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research St Mary’s Music School and its mission. Understanding their commitment to providing a supportive environment for young musicians will help you align your answers with their values, showing that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Care Experience
Since the role involves ensuring the wellbeing of boarders, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in pastoral care. Share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past, highlighting your adaptability and empathy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with boarders. Think about scenarios involving conflict resolution or supporting a student in distress. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics in the boarding house or how they measure the success of their pastoral care. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
