At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to provide exceptional pastoral care and support for boarding pupils.
- Company: Join a growing College prioritising a warm and aspirational boarding environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation, and 50% fee remission for school-age children.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, values-driven community focused on faith and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping a vibrant boarding community.
- Qualifications: Experience in boarding or pastoral leadership with strong relational skills.
The predicted salary is between 39949 - 39949 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a College where boarding is a key strategic priority, and where inspection evidence from December 2025 highlights a high-quality pastoral environment in which pupils feel safe, supported and develop a strong sense of belonging.
About the Role
The Resident Senior Housemaster is responsible for the pastoral care, welfare and personal development of all pupils in the House, leading a dedicated team of boarding staff to create a warm, structured and aspirational “home from home.” You will play a vital role in ensuring that boarders:
- Feel known, valued and supported
- Develop independence, responsibility and resilience
- Fully engage in the academic, co-curricular and spiritual life of the College
Working closely with the Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission), you will help deliver a boarding experience that reflects the College’s ambition to be a sector leader in pastoral care and community life. You will also support the staffing of the College’s holiday programmes.
The Person
We are seeking a candidate who:
- Has experience in boarding or pastoral leadership
- Is a strong, visible and relational leader, able to build trust with pupils and staff
- Has high expectations and a commitment to outstanding pastoral care
- Is organised, resilient and able to manage a dynamic residential environment
- Is committed to supporting and promoting the Catholic Life and Mission of the College
Applications are particularly welcomed from baptised, practising Roman Catholics, although applications are also very welcome from candidates of other faiths, or none, providing they are willing to support and actively promote the Catholic Life and Mission of the College.
What We Offer
A salary of £39,949 plus suitable accommodation according to the needs of the successful candidate, in addition to fee remission of 50% for any school-age children (subject to the meeting of entrance requirements). This is a full-time, non-teaching position.
This opportunity is underpinned by:
- A genuinely purposeful leadership role within a strong pastoral system
- The opportunity to shape the experience of boarding within a growing and ambitious school
- A supportive and values-driven community, rooted in faith, service and belonging
This is a role for someone who understands that successful boarding is not just about organisation, but about relationships, presence and culture. At Ratcliffe, you will not simply run a boarding house. You will lead a community in which young people grow, belong and flourish.
For more information about this role, please contact the Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr James Rainer, or the incumbent Housemaster, Mr Jose Estevez.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 1st June however we reserve the right to interview prior to the closing date therefore early application is advisable.
For further information please see the Recruitment Pack. Please ensure that your supporting statement in your application clearly addresses all relevant criteria outlined in the Person Specification. You should provide specific examples from your career to demonstrate how you meet these requirements.
Senior Housemaster (Resident) in England employer: The Independent Schools Council
At Ratcliffe College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both our pupils and staff. As a Senior Housemaster, you will be part of a supportive, values-driven community where your leadership will directly impact the lives of young people, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages independence and resilience. With competitive benefits including accommodation and fee remission for school-age children, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic pastoral system, Ratcliffe offers a truly rewarding career in education.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housemaster (Resident) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the College's values and mission inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us how your personal philosophy aligns with our commitment to pastoral care and community life. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some solid examples from your past experiences in boarding or pastoral leadership. We want to hear about those moments when you made a real difference in students' lives. Be ready to share stories that highlight your relational leadership style!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can build trust and rapport with both pupils and staff. Show us your passion for creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housemaster (Resident) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for pastoral care shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past and how you plan to create a nurturing environment at our College.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in boarding or pastoral leadership. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills in building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging among pupils.
Address the Person Specification:Take a close look at the Person Specification and ensure your supporting statement addresses each criterion. This is your chance to show us how you meet our expectations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Early Through Our Website:Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our website. Early applications are more likely to be considered, and we might even interview before the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know the College's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the College's mission and values, especially around pastoral care and community life. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested in their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you build trust with pupils and staff. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or created a supportive environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Pastoral Care
Highlight your experience in boarding or pastoral leadership by discussing how you’ve previously supported students' welfare and personal development. Use concrete examples to illustrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview about the College’s approach to boarding and pastoral care. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
