Head of Boarding

Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (On-site)

• Full time
• Mid-Senior
• General management

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 leadership.

3. Create a Positive Boarding Community

The Head of Boarding will help ensure that students enjoy living at EF Academy Oxford as well as studying here.

This will include:

• supporting a varied programme of evening and weekend activities;
• contributing to the School's House system and wider student life;
• supporting celebrations, cultural events, trips and community activities;
• creating opportunities for informal interaction between students and boarding staff;
• encouraging students to participate, try new things and contribute to the life of the School;
• ensuring communal spaces are welcoming and used positively.

Snack Night and activities in the student kitchen are examples of the informal community experiences our students value. We are also keen for colleagues to bring their own interests, skills and ideas to residential life.

4. Oversee Boarding Operations and Front of House

The Head of Boarding is responsible for ensuring that boarding operates smoothly, safely and efficiently.

This includes oversight of:

• the day-to-day operation of the boarding houses;
• boarding rotas, staffing and cover;
• student room allocations and room changes;
• arrivals, departures and student travel arrangements;
• airport transfers and related administration;
• boarding induction and onboarding;
• accurate student whereabouts records ;
• boarding-related Front of House and visitor arrangements;
• Welcome Days and other significant arrival, departure and School events.

The Head of Boarding will also have oversight of the residential environment and boarding premises. ensuring that issues are identified, prioritised, communicated and followed through appropriately.

This will include:

• maint…