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- Tasks: Support international students' welfare and create a fun, safe environment at summer school.
- Company: Whitgift School, a prestigious independent school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in childcare and education while enjoying a dynamic summer role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience working with children are essential.
- Other info: Residential role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Whitgift is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys, with approximately 1500 pupils including over 100 boarding pupils and flexi boarding pupils. It is set in an attractive 48-acre parkland site in South Croydon enjoying excellent links to London, Surrey and the south coast.
During the summer holidays, Whitgift runs its own summer school for international students, utilising all its facilities and modern boarding house. Whitgift Summer School, with its innovative and exciting English language and academic courses, along with activities which involve English speaking students, is designed to appeal to girls and boys aged 11-17 from all over the world.
This is a residential role to support a first-class pastoral and welfare service for international students at the 2026 Whitgift Summer School. The school runs a busy programme and expects House Parents to contribute to the full life of the summer school while ensuring students' safety and well-being at all times.
Responsibilities:- Female House Parent will be responsible for the pastoral care and well-being of the international students at the 2026 Whitgift Summer School.
- Manage the day-to-day boarding house operation and help generate a welcoming, supportive and fun atmosphere.
- Build a caring, friendly and positive rapport with students, and deal with discipline issues when required.
- Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work calmly, effectively and positively, even under pressure.
- Be passionate about child welfare and be educated to degree level.
- Previous experience of working with children in a professional setting is essential, preferably in a summer school, residential or boarding house context.
- Vocational training in childcare, education or counselling is welcomed.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
- Ability to work as part of a team is necessary.
- Even when off duty, be willing to assist in case of emergencies, especially at night.
Present evidence of right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract. Welcoming applications from all sectors to reflect the diversity of our student intake.
The Summer School will run for six weeks, though we are looking for applicants to work for three weeks. Applicants must have full availability throughout this period.
Closing Date: 13 April 2026
Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers, the Disclosure & Barring Service and online media checks (including personal, professional and other online activities).
All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school's safeguarding ethos.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to the interview.
Whitgift Summer School, House Parent in London employer: WHITGIFT SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
WHITGIFT SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Whitgift Summer School, House Parent in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school vibe! Before your interview, check out Whitgift's website and social media. Understanding their culture and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your experience with children and your passion for pastoral care, making you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with international students come through. Share stories that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you’ve created a supportive environment in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Whitgift Summer School, House Parent in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for child welfare shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about the well-being of students and have a strong desire to create a supportive environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of House Parent. Highlight any relevant experience you've had in similar settings, and don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for the role. Avoid fluff and focus on your key strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHITGIFT SCHOOL
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a House Parent at Whitgift Summer School. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and how they prioritise student welfare. This will help you demonstrate your passion for child welfare and your ability to contribute positively to the summer school environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially in a boarding or summer school context. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in managing pastoral care and creating a supportive atmosphere. This will show that you have the practical knowledge needed for the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving students, such as resolving conflicts or addressing discipline issues. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The role requires working as part of a team, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting, and express your willingness to assist during emergencies, even when off duty. This will highlight your commitment to the safety and well-being of the students.