At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support 70 pupils in a modern boarding house while teaching up to 12 lessons weekly.
- Company: Wycombe Abbey is a prestigious girls' boarding school with a rich heritage and a stunning 170-acre campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, parking, sports center access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a supportive community focused on academic excellence and personal growth for students.
- Qualifications: Hold a relevant degree and be an inspiring teacher; boarding experience is a plus.
- Other info: Accommodation provided year-round; applications close on February 2, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wycombe Abbey has its own pay scale which compares favourably with other independent schools and is well above that of the maintained sector. The Housemistress/Housemaster role is placed on the Middle Leader 3 salary scale.
To start September 2025
Wycombe Abbey is a world-class full-boarding school for girls, located on a beautiful site in the centre of High Wycombe. With its distinctive heritage, magnificent 170-acre campus and impressive resources, the School provides an outstanding education for 650 pupils aged 11-18.
Wycombe Abbey has been at the forefront of girls’ boarding education for the last 125 years. Superb academic outcomes are the School’s hallmark and pupils regularly secure places at the most prestigious universities across the globe. Known for its world-class education, Wycombe Abbey encourages curiosity, innovation, leadership and delight in learning among its pupils.
We are seeking an adaptable, self-motivated, energetic and caring individual to take up the role of Housemistress/Housemaster. The primary role is to provide outstanding pastoral care for pupils in Pitt, which is a modern and large boarding house with approximately 70 pupils.
The Housemistress/Housemaster also has responsibility for each girl’s personal and academic development and is an important point of contact for parents. They are responsible for ensuring a safe, happy and comfortable environment in which pupils can both learn and relax.
The Housemistress/Housemaster can usually expect to teach up to 12 lessons per week and work before and after the end of each term. You will hold a relevant degree and be an inspirational teacher. Applications from all subjects relevant to our curriculum will be considered, and full support and mentoring given to those new to the profession. Boarding experience or experience working in boarding schools is desirable.
Flexibility to respond to the unexpected, a sense of humour and enthusiasm are essential, as is the ability to command respect from staff and girls alike. You will be the first point of contact for parents and should be confident in developing that relationship.
Wycombe Abbey has its own salary scale which compares favourably with other independent schools and is well above that of the maintained sector. The Housemistress/Housemaster role is placed on the Middle Leader 3 salary scale. Accommodation is provided all year round with bills and meals included during term time.
Benefits of working at Wycombe Abbey include:
- Enrolment in the School’s generous pension scheme.
- Free parking.
- Free meals.
- Free use of the Sports Centre.
- Free eye tests.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
To apply: Please see the job profile document for full information about this role. To apply, please complete an application form and submit this, together with a covering letter, to the Headmistress, Mrs J Duncan.
Should you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact the HR Team on 01494 895575 or
Closing date for applications: Sunday 2 February 2025.
Interview date: Thursday 13 February 2025.
We reserve the right to appoint to this position before the closing date, should we receive a high volume of suitable early applications.
Wycombe Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
- All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
Further information regarding filtered convictions, please refer to Filtering Guidance by the Ministry of Justice and Nacro Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 310638.
Housemistress/Housemaster (Pitt) employer: WYCOMBE ABBEY
Contact Detail:
WYCOMBE ABBEY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housemistress/Housemaster (Pitt)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the unique culture and values of Wycombe Abbey. Understanding the school's commitment to girls' education and its emphasis on pastoral care will help you align your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant boarding experience you have. If you've worked in a similar environment, be sure to share specific examples of how you provided support and care for students.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how it relates to the personal and academic development of students. Be ready to share strategies that foster a safe and engaging learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships with both students and parents. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with parents or supported students through challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Housemistress/Housemaster (Pitt)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Housemistress/Housemaster position. Highlight your experience in pastoral care and teaching in your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for education and your ability to provide outstanding pastoral care. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your adaptability, energy, and caring nature.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize any previous experience in boarding schools or similar environments. Include details about your teaching subjects and any leadership roles you've held.
Prepare for the DBS Check: Be ready to declare any unspent convictions or cautions as required by the role. Familiarize yourself with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to ensure compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at WYCOMBE ABBEY
✨Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care
Emphasize your commitment to providing outstanding pastoral care. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported students' personal and academic development.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Highlight your ability to respond to unexpected situations with a positive attitude. Discuss instances where you had to adapt quickly in a school environment, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with Parents
Since you'll be the first point of contact for parents, prepare to discuss how you would foster strong relationships with them. Share strategies you've used in the past to communicate effectively and build trust.
✨Exhibit Enthusiasm and a Sense of Humor
Bring your personality into the interview! Show your enthusiasm for working with students and your ability to create a joyful learning environment. A good sense of humor can help you connect with both staff and pupils.