Head of Boarding

Essential

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

- Strong experience in boarding, pastoral care, residential education or a closely related environment.
- Successful experience of leading and developing people.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and a clear commitment to the welfare of young people.
- A genuine enjoyment of working with students aged 16–19.
- Warmth, empathy and the ability to build strong relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Good judgement and the ability to remain calm and make appropriate decisions in challenging situations.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work confidently with international students and families from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
- A proactive approach to solving problems and improving provision.
- An understanding of the importance of health and safety, compliance and effective premises management within a residential environment.
- The ability to work collaboratively across academic, pastoral and operational teams.
- High expectations of themselves, colleagues and students.
- Professional curiosity and an interest in continuing to develop as a leader.
- A willingness to work evenings, weekends and provide additional boarding cover when required.

Desirable

It would be particularly advantageous to have:

- Experience within an international or boarding school.
- Previous experience as a Head or Deputy Head of Boarding, Senior House Parent, Housemaster/Housemistress or pastoral leader.
- DDSL or DSL experience.
- Experience of inspection, regulatory compliance or quality assurance.
- Experience overseeing residential premises, facilities or estates-related matters, including identifying issues and working with facilities or maintenance teams to ensure resolution.
- Experience contributing to health and safety management, risk assessment or operational safety within a school, residential or comparable setting.
- Experience reviewing, developing or implementing safeguarding, health and safety or operational policies.
- Experience leading improvement projects or contributing to a School Development Plan.
- Broader operational leadership experience within a school or comparable organisation.
- Experience working with international students and families.
- Relevant boarding, pastoral, safeguarding, health and safety, education or leadership qualifications.
- An interest, skill or hobby that could contribute positively to student and boarding life.