Do you have experience of working with children aged between 11 and 18, ideally in a pastoral role? If so, we would love to hear from you. Downside School has an opportunity for someone to support the smooth running of Smythe House on a Sunday.
This (non-residential) role is working as part of a dedicated team, assisting with and contributing to the supervision and care of pupils in one of our boys boarding Houses.
As Boarding House Parent you are part of a team responsible for ensuring the boarding house feels like a home to our pupils, both full-time and flexi-borders. You will build positive, professional relationships with School staff and parents, providing relevant information about individual pupils as necessary.
The role will include supporting the house and organising and running of Sunday trips and activities. You will assist with the supervision and pastoral care of the boarding pupils within the house and have responsibility for several duties to support the health and general wellbeing of the pupils. There is also an element of administration involved with this role, so experience of using MS Office is required.
The successful applicant will be given training in child protection, the prevent duty, fire safety, food hygiene, GDPR and general boarding as part of their induction program. Any experience and qualifications in relation to the above are desirable.
We are committed to working in partnership with families and to providing an environment which nurtures young people of integrity who can think for themselves, stand up for their beliefs, and act to make a positive difference in the world. The published Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report states that a clear and positive attitude to learning permeates the whole school, enabled by excellent relationships between staff and pupils and that our pupils are enthusiastic and highly motivated learners, able to work independently.
Contractual Details
Salary: £3,974.00
Hours of Work
During School term time your normal hours of employment will be from 11.00am to 08.00pm on a Sunday, inclusive with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break each day and at such further times and for such periods as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties.
You are also required to attend School events when required by the Head, including but not limited to INSET Days.
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only + attendance at INSET days when requested.
Start date: 30th November 2025
Benefits: Free on-site parking and an employee assistance programme.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Thursday 30th October 2025
Interview date: Wednesday 5th November 2025
NOTE: We may close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received.
To Apply
Please complete your application through our applicant tracking system, using the Apply button. Please contact the Human Resources email address if you require further information after reading the job description.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England's oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The School is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath.
Downside School 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 DBS checked. We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700