Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form
Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form

Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form

Full-Time 28985 - 48254 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The Boarding Schools' Association

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage a vibrant boarding house and support students in their academic and personal growth.
  • Company: Join a prestigious school with a strong pastoral team and supportive environment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, and generous holiday leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a dynamic boarding school experience.
  • Qualifications: Experience in residential settings and a passion for student welfare.
  • Other info: Embrace a fulfilling role in a busy boarding school community.

The predicted salary is between 28985 - 48254 £ per year.

The Housemistress/master (HsM) holds an invaluable position within the framework of an outstanding and highly motivated pastoral team. They should be a skilled practitioner with experience in a residential setting who has the capacity to manage a boarding house of around 60 pupils and a team of 2 additional residential staff plus domestic staff and evening. Alongside this, they must be driven to care for, guide and motivate pupils, while working and living in one of our sixth form boarding houses (ages 16-18). Boarding arrangements are structured horizontally with pupils living in their own year groups.

The quality of the care and support pupils receive from the House Staff is of critical importance to the school’s success and to the happiness and future success of our students. As part of the broader pastoral and residential team, you will work with your House team in creating and maintaining a vibrant and welcoming family environment in which students feel happy, fulfilled and well supported. You will have a strong collaborative approach, liaising daily with senior leaders, tutors, teachers, the Health Centre and the estates and domestic teams. Your support will enable the students in your boarding house to thrive and fulfil their potential in all areas of school life.

If in a teaching role, the Housemistress/master will teach a reduced number of lessons (10) in their chosen subject as part of our academic curriculum. Additional Pastoral Assistants help to cover the House during the daytime hours while all other teachers carry out one evening duty in house per week.

Salary is dependent on experience, ranging from £28,985 – £48,254 (teaching). It is a full-time contract (paid for 52 weeks of the year), working 35 term time weeks per year, with all school holiday weeks recognised as annual leave. A HsM’s work is not of a nature which lends itself to the rigid definition of hours.

We look forward to receiving applications from teaching or non-teaching candidates who are ready to embrace the full and varied life of a busy boarding school; caring for, guiding and supporting our students.

Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form employer: The Boarding Schools' Association

St Mary's Calne offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for Housemistresses/Masters to be part of a dedicated pastoral team in a vibrant boarding school environment. With a strong emphasis on student well-being and personal development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in a picturesque setting, the school fosters a sense of community and collaboration, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about education and pastoral care.
The Boarding Schools' Association

Contact Detail:

The Boarding Schools' Association Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in boarding schools. They might have insider info or even know about unadvertised positions.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support and motivate students in a residential setting.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your pastoral skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team or supported students in a similar environment. This will highlight your fit for the Housemistress/master role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form

Experience in a residential setting
Team Management
Pastoral Care
Motivational Skills
Collaboration
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Empathy
Conflict Resolution
Adaptability
Teaching Skills
Supportive Environment Creation
Student Guidance

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 that you genuinely care about their well-being and development, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for pastoral care.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Housemistress/master role. We’re looking for candidates who understand the unique environment of a boarding school, so mention any relevant experience in residential settings or similar roles.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Boarding Schools' Association

Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housemistress/master. Familiarise yourself with the pastoral care aspects and how to create a supportive environment for students. This will help you articulate your vision and approach during the interview.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience in residential settings. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or supported students. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role and reassure the interviewers of your skills.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your collaborative approach. Share instances where you've worked effectively with teachers, health staff, or other departments to enhance student wellbeing. This shows you’re a team player who values communication.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about the school's approach to pastoral care or how they envision the Housemistress/master contributing to the school community. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.

Housemistress/master – starting September 2026, Sixth Form
The Boarding Schools' Association
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