At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the welfare and development of pupils in a vibrant boarding house.
- Company: Join Loretto School, a top independent school near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy free accommodation, generous pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while living on-site.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification or sports coaching experience required.
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 Housemaster or Housemistress 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 manage 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, depending on the subject specialism of the successful candidate and the availability of teaching. Experience in teaching Mathematics or in a support for learning role are 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 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 employer: The Independent Schools Council
Loretto School, located on the picturesque outskirts of Edinburgh, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare and development of its staff and students alike. As a Housemaster or Housemistress at Holm House, you will benefit from a supportive work culture, generous pension schemes, and opportunities for professional growth, all while enjoying free accommodation and meals during term time. Join a community that values family-friendly policies and encourages involvement in the wider school environment, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemaster or Housemistress - Holm House
✨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 Loretto School and Holm House. Understand their values and how you can contribute to the pupils' welfare and development. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your unique skills! If you have experience in teaching Maths or coaching netball, make sure to highlight that during your discussions. It’s all about demonstrating how you can enhance the students' experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the School Talent website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Housemaster or Housemistress - Holm House
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 role of Housemaster or Housemistress. 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 best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous residential experience and how it has prepared you for this role. Highlight any relevant teaching qualifications or coaching experience, especially in sports like netball, as this will demonstrate your versatility and commitment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pastoral issues. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed challenges in a boarding setting, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, 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 shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
