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 with in 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.
1. Lead and Develop Boarding Provide clear leadership and direction for the boarding provision.

Create a culture of high expectations, warmth, consistency and strong relationships.

Directly line manage the Boarding Team, set clear expectations, objectives and standards.

Support and develop staff through regular feedback, appraisal, coaching and appropriate performance management.

Develop and review a Boarding Development Plan that supports the priorities of the School Development Plan.

Translate relevant School Development Plan priorities into practical improvements within boarding.

Use student, parent and staff feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.

Develop effective, fair and sustainable boarding rotas.

Promote a culture in which colleagues take responsibility, communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
2. Pastoral Care, Safeguarding and Student Experience Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and work closely with the DSL and wider safeguarding team.

Ensure safeguarding and pastoral concerns are identified, recorded, communicated and followed up appropriately.

Ensure the boarding team knows students well and notices changes in behaviour, wellbeing or circumstances.

Lead responses to significant pastoral or residential incidents.

Support students with homesickness, friendship difficulties, cultural adjustment and other challenges associated with living away from home.

Work closely with the School Nurse and relevant colleagues to ensure appropriate care for students who are unwell.

Create an inclusive boarding community that reflects and celebrates our international student body.

Ensure students understand and meet expectations around behaviour, curfew, attendance, routines and residential life.

Support students in developing increasing independence, responsibility and practical life skills.

Ensure boarding routines support healthy habits around sleep, study, organisation and wellbeing.

Promote meaningful opportunities for student voice and…