Overview
Start Date: August 2026. We have an exciting opportunity for two energetic and motivational individuals to lead the pastoral team in two of our boarding houses. Caverel is a girls' house covering first to sixth forms (equivalent to Years 7 – 13). Barlow is a boys' house covering third to sixth form (equivalent to Years 9 – 13). This post would suit either a Teacher or a Support staff member with a strong pastoral background. The role is full-time and, if applicable, will have a reduced teaching timetable in line with the responsibilities of the role.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the boarding house.
* Effectively manage a team of house staff and tutors.
* Ensure the house is responsive to and meets the needs of the pupils in it.
* Provide a high level of pastoral care and support to pupils.
* Ensure effective communication with pupils, their parents and guardians, tutors, the Director of Pastoral Care, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Bursar, the Deputy Heads, the Head, and other staff as appropriate.
* Promote pupil wellbeing and prioritise safeguarding.
Key Requirements
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Professional and reliable.
* Previous pastoral experience is essential.
Additional Expectations
* Ensure the safety and well‑being of children at all times.
* Undertake training as required and adapt to changing needs.
* Conduct duties with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
Benefits
* Competitive pay scale.
* Residential accommodation.
* Excellent catering facility offering complimentary lunch to all staff.
* Free employee assistance programme.
* Supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
* Inspiring, intellectually rewarding work environment.
* Pupils with highly developed social skills and self-confidence.
* Opportunities for CPD, pastoral and wider‑curricular involvement.
* Complimentary access to on‑site leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.
About Downside School
Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606, located in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through more than 70 co‑curricular activities. With facilities such as a 400‑seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff‑pupil relationships.
Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.
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