At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the pastoral care and development of pupils in a vibrant boarding environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking College prioritising high-quality pastoral care and community life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation, and fee remission for school-age children.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community rooted in faith and service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
- 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 (jrainer@ratcliffecollege.com), or the incumbent Housemaster, Mr Jose Estevez (jestevez@ratcliffecollege.com).
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) 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 staff and students. 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 College is committed to creating a fulfilling and rewarding workplace for all its employees.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housemaster (Resident)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in boarding or pastoral care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend relevant events, workshops, or conferences related to pastoral care and education. This is a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or colleges you admire. Express your interest in their boarding programmes and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housemaster (Resident)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care:When writing your application, let your passion for pastoral care shine through. Share specific experiences where you've made a difference in students' lives, and how you’ve fostered a supportive environment. We want to see your commitment to creating that 'home from home' feel!
Be Specific with Examples:Don’t just say you’re organised or resilient; show us! Use concrete examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed a dynamic residential environment. This helps us understand your approach and how you can contribute to our community.
Align with Our Values:Make sure your application reflects an understanding of our College’s mission and values. If you’re familiar with the Catholic Life and Mission, mention it! We appreciate candidates who are willing to support and promote our ethos, regardless of their background.
Apply Early!:We recommend getting your application in as soon as possible. With the closing date approaching, early applications are advisable since we might start interviewing before then. Head over to our website to submit your application and join us in shaping a vibrant boarding experience!
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 regarding 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
As a Senior Housemaster, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've built trust and relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or supported students through challenges, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Pastoral Care
Highlight your experience in boarding or pastoral leadership by discussing your approach to creating a supportive environment. Be prepared to talk about how you would ensure pupils feel valued and engaged, as well as how you would promote independence and resilience among them.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the College’s approach to boarding and pastoral care. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their vision for the future of boarding and how you can contribute.
