Assistant House Parent

To be a vital part of the AJH House Team at Upper School in delivering excellent, compliant, pastoral care for the students in that House.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting and deputising for the House Parent of AJH (Years 12 and 13) at Upper School, ensuring that students have a secure and supportive ‘home from home’ during term time. Suitable training and ongoing support will be provided.

CONTRACT TERMS

• Start Date: September 2026
• Hours: Full‑time with two evenings per week and three weekends per term (plus exeats) off duty (although staff may be called upon in an emergency).
• For clarity the working week runs from Sunday evening until Friday and the weekend constitutes Saturday.
• This situation reflects current working rotas, however flexibility is required on occasion as these may have to be adapted to meet operational requirements.
• Every effort will be made to provide a 24 hour period of non‑contact time per week.
• Where this may not be possible for timetabling reasons, then suitable arrangements for substantial periods of non‑contact time will be made.
• House staff must be resident during term time (even on nights off), in case of emergency, but may ask permission from the Assistant Principal Pastoral & Welfare (APPW) for occasional absences for special occasions.
• No holiday may be taken during term time, the last week of the summer break or when there is planned INSET.
• There is also requirement to provide two weeks of cover during the Spring and/or Summer Intensive Courses.

Location Aud Jebsen Hall, Pimlico, London, SW1

Application Closing Date 25 May 2026

MAIN DUTIES

• Ensuring The Royal Ballet School’s ‘Boarding Principles’ are effectively implemented in the day to day life of the House.
• Being a part of creating a structured, secure but enabling community in House where students can grow and flourish artistically, academically and as human beings.
• Delivering the procedures and policies required in the ‘Boarding Handbook’ to the highest standards.
• Implementation of compliance checks for the House.
• Contributing to an effective trips & activities programme for students during boarding time.
• Being part of an effective, proactive and caring House team with student welfare at its heart.
• Care and support of boarders outside of the routine of the School day.
• Support of the medical cover.
• Undertaking a day time role in support of the pastoral and broader life of the School that might include relevant administration, parental liaison, support of medical cover, mealtime registers and supervision, liaison with Support Services, helping with special events etc.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Pastoral experience in a 16+ coeducational boarding environment or a previous residential role involving the welfare and wellbeing of young people in this age group.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
• A positive outlook, good sense of humour and able to stay calm in a crisis.
• Good listener who can build effective relationships with students, staff and parents.
• Able to establish a strong rapport with students, assert authority when needed and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Proactive in approach and able to seek advice and support in a timely fashion when appropriate.
• Able to cope effectively with high levels of stress from students and parents.
• Good administration skills and IT literate.
• Flexible attitude towards duties and working patterns in order to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Committed to life in a boarding environment and a desire to support all aspects of our work.
• Empathy with the aims and ethos of the School.
• A good team player.

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child‑centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies.
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with.
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner.
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.