Head of Boarding Senior Girls; Residential

The Purcell School seeks to appoint an outstanding Head of Boarding House to lead the pastoral life of our Senior Girls’ House. This is an important leadership role within a full boarding community of young musicians who are deeply committed to their craft and to one another.

The role requires sound professional judgement, substantial experience of boarding practice and confidence in leading adults within a residential environment.

Life at The Purcell School is shaped by curiosity, dedication, creativity and kindness. Our students are serious about music, but they are also adolescents navigating friendship, identity, ambition and uncertainty. Boarding provides the continuity and stability that allows them to take intellectual and creative risks, practise with focus and feel supported through the inevitable challenges of growing up.

The Head of Boarding House plays a central role in creating an environment in which students feel known, understood and appropriately challenged. Through clarity, consistency and strong relationships, the Head of Boarding House supports students in developing independence, responsibility and confidence, enabling them to flourish both academically and personally.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Boarding and the wider pastoral team, the Head of Boarding House ensures that the lived experience of students reflects the School’s commitment to high standards of care, thoughtful structure and genuine warmth. The Head of Boarding House reports to the Director of Boarding and contributes to the consistent implementation of expectations across the boarding community.

While the role does not include a teaching timetable, the Head of Boarding House is an educator within the boarding context and plays a central role in students’ personal development, sense of belonging and capacity to engage fully with the opportunities offered by a specialist music education.

The Head of Boarding House contributes directly to the School’s compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and plays an important role in ensuring that safeguarding practice is embedded consistently in the daily experience of students.

Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Interview date:
Friday 26th June

Start date:

1st January 2027

Applications will be reviewed on receipt and we reserve the right to close this advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified.