Head of Mansion House (Boarding Resident)

Farlington School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Mansion House to lead and inspire our international boarding community. This is a significant residential leadership role for a committed pastoral professional who believes deeply in the transformative power of boarding education.

At Farlington, boarding is more than accommodation — it is a vibrant, supportive and enriching community in which young people grow in independence, confidence and character. The Head of Mansion House will shape this experience, ensuring that every pupil feels safe, valued and empowered to flourish.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to lead a well-established Boarding House within a warm and ambitious school community. Reporting to the Deputy Head, you will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, pastoral care and pupil development. You will be a visible, trusted and influential presence in the lives of our boarders — building strong relationships with pupils, families and colleagues, and championing the core values that define Farlington: Individuality; Opportunity; and Community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and day-to-day management of Mansion House
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, welfare and compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools
• Create a structured, nurturing and aspirational boarding environment
• Lead and develop boarding staff, tutors and prefect teams
• Work in close partnership with academic colleagues to support pupils’ progress and wellbeing
• Oversee a dynamic co-curricular and weekly and weekend activities programme
• Support the promotion and development of boarding through Open Events, tours and engagement with international families and agents
• Ensure exemplary standards of organisation, presentation and care within the Boarding House

You will cultivate a culture of kindness, responsibility and mutual respect, encouraging pupils to support one another and take pride in their community.

The Person

We are looking for a pastoral leader of warmth, integrity and resilience. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in boarding or senior pastoral leadership, and of working with international students (and families)
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• The ability to build trust with pupils and maintain high expectations
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Confidence working with international families and guardians
• Sound judgement, emotional intelligence, and calm authority
• A genuine passion for the holistic development of young people
• First Aid certification is required.

The Commitment

This is a residential role on a 38-week contract aligned to include school term dates and scope for further opportunities to contribute to the Farlington Summer School. The role includes:

• 1 in 3 weekends on duty during term time
• Three full weekday duties per week, including overnight on-call
• Presence in the Boarding House office each weekday morning and from 4.00pm each afternoon
• Attendance at INSET days and key school events
• A weekly half day off (agreed annually)

Salary will be commensurate with the seniority and responsibility of the post. Farlington is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 6 months to 18, and is set in 33 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. The school enjoys a strong reputation for its academic excellence and welcoming community. Farlington students are happy, fulfilled young people, fully engaged in the life of the school community, aspirational and committed to their studies.

This is a hugely exciting time of development and growth for the school. As part of the Bellevue Education group of schools, there are excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development, and further opportunity for collaboration between schools within the group.

Further details and application form may be obtained from the website: www.farlingtonschool.com or email recruitment@farlingtonschool.com. The closing date for applications is 06th March 2026, with interviews anticipated to take place the week after. However, the school reserves the right to interview potential candidates as applications are received, mindful of potential notice periods. To apply for this role you MUST complete and submit an application form which can be found on our website under Job Opportunities.

Farlington School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.