At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new girls' boarding house, shaping its culture and supporting pupils' development.
- Company: Winchester College, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous salary, special responsibility allowance, and suitable accommodation provided.
- Other info: Join a diverse community dedicated to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader and make a lasting impact on young women's education.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background and experience in pastoral care and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Winchester College is seeking to appoint an exceptional Housemistress/Housemaster to lead our second new girls' boarding house, St Catherine, opening in September 2027. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the culture and identity of a new boarding community from the ground up, establishing a warm, ambitious, and inclusive environment for Sixth Form pupils. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader and a committed pastoral professional, playing a central role in the operational planning, recruitment, and admissions activity ahead of the house opening. The role reports to Senior Management and works closely with the Second Master and Director of Pastoral Care, being responsible for the overall progress, welfare and social development of every pupil in the house.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Culture
- House Identity: Establish a supportive, welcoming, and cohesive culture at St Catherine, ensuring a positive boarding environment aligned with the School's Boarding Principles.
- Team Management: Lead and line‐manage the House team (Assistant House Don, Resident Tutor, Tutors, and Matrons), ensuring effective delegation and a consistent standard of conduct.
- Strategic Planning: Play a lead role in the operational planning for the new house and the induction of new Sixth Form girl boarders.
- Admissions: Partner with the Admissions team to recruit pupils of high academic potential by attending Open Days and interviewing prospective candidates.
- Pastoral Care and Academic Oversight
- Pupil Welfare: Provide primary oversight of the welfare, academic progress, and personal development of each pupil, identifying strengths and offering targeted support.
- Higher Education: Oversee the higher education process for each pupil, providing expert advice and guidance for their future transitions.
- Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians, ensuring efficient, timely, and professional communication.
- Community Life: Reside in the boarding house during term‐time to provide full pastoral oversight, maintaining the routines of the day and leading evening House meetings (Preces).
- Compliance and Operations
- Safeguarding: Maintain all safeguarding and disciplinary records on CPOMS and work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Health and Wellbeing Centre.
- Regulatory Standards: Ensure full compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (NMS) and all school policies.
- Financial & Fabric Management: Efficiently manage the House budget and financial procedures while ensuring the fabric and facilities of the House are well‐maintained and safe.
About You
We are seeking an academically distinguished individual with a clear vision for high‐quality Sixth Form girls' boarding and the interpersonal gravitas to build strong relationships across the College.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Visionary Leadership: A clear vision for girls' boarding and the experience to deliver it within an academically stimulating environment.
- Academic Excellence: Possess excellent academic qualifications and the ability to support high‐potential pupils.
- Judgment and Resilience: Calm and patient under pressure, with the ability to handle crises and exercise sound judgment in complex situations.
- Pastoral Expertise: Deep knowledge of adolescent issues, particularly relating to girls, and a demonstrable commitment to young people's wellbeing.
- Communication: Excellent organisational, administrative, and interpersonal skills; able to present a friendly and professional aspect to all stakeholders.
- Commitment: Willingness to work flexibly and participate fully in the wider life of the School, including night and weekend responsibilities.
What We Offer
- Start Date: Preference for January 2027. For the remainder of the 2026‐27 academic year, the postholder will serve as a tutor in an existing house while focusing on the planning and recruitment for St Catherine.
- Salary: Winchester has its own generous salary scale, which is above the national scale.
- Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA): An additional allowance is allocated for the House Don role.
- Accommodation: Highly suitable residential accommodation within the boarding house is provided with this position.
How to Apply
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application. Applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes. Closing date for applications: Midnight, Monday 9 March 2026.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
Winchester College is a truly international community that celebrates everyone's individuality, talents and potential and offers regular training and career development opportunities. We embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to promoting a fair and supportive environment for all our employees. We work hard to create a culture where different perspectives are valued and our staff feel valued for their individuality and share a sense of belonging. Our aim is to reflect the diverse nature of society and of our pupil body.
Safeguarding: Winchester College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, and obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services certificate. Staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training which is regularly updated.
Sustainability: Both staff and pupils at Winchester College are committed to being the most sustainable school possible.
Housemistress/Housemaster (House Don) in London employer: Winchester College
Winchester College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the culture of a new girls' boarding house while fostering a warm and inclusive environment for Sixth Form pupils. With a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee development, staff benefit from generous salaries, special responsibility allowances, and suitable residential accommodation, all within a supportive community that values individual contributions and promotes personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemistress/Housemaster (House Don) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, spend some time researching Winchester College and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the new boarding house.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current staff or alumni on LinkedIn to get insider info about the school. They might share valuable insights that can give you an edge during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle various scenarios related to pastoral care and team management. Practising your answers will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Winchester community. Don’t forget to attach a full CV!
We think you need these skills to ace Housemistress/Housemaster (House Don) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Vision:When you write your application, make sure to highlight your vision for the new boarding house. We want to see how you plan to create a warm and inclusive environment for the pupils at St Catherine.
Tailor Your CV:Your CV should reflect your experience in pastoral care and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can manage a team effectively, so don’t forget to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate this.
Be Personal and Professional:In your application, strike a balance between being personable and professional. We want to know who you are as a leader and how you connect with students and parents alike, so let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications completed on our website. So, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit your full CV along with your application to ensure it gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winchester College
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Winchester College's values and principles, especially those related to boarding. This will help you align your vision for St Catherine with the school's ethos, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how it can foster a supportive and inclusive environment. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a challenging situation, particularly in a pastoral context.
✨Engage with Pastoral Care Insights
Since the role heavily involves pupil welfare and pastoral care, come equipped with insights on adolescent issues, especially those affecting girls. Share your strategies for supporting their academic and personal development, demonstrating your commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the operational planning for St Catherine and how you can contribute to its culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
