Overview
An experienced, highly discreet, and emotionally intelligent live-in Governess is sought to support a single parent, who is a widower and a father to two teenage girls (aged 14 and 16) within a private, high-net-worth household based in Bath. This is a unique role suited to a confident female role model who can provide mentorship, tuition, guidance, pastoral care, and ongoing structured support for older children navigating school life and adolescence.
The position requires flexibility, the ability for the successful candidate to live in the property on a weekly and an as-required basis, and a professional approach, discretion, and confidentiality at all times. The father of the children is a Senior Executive in a well-known, successful business based in Wiltshire, and travels regularly to London (1-2 trips per month for up to three nights at a time) and abroad to Singapore (7-8 trips per year lasting up to 8 days), as well as other locations. Trips are business-led so cannot always be predictable. Ad hoc cover could also be required on other evenings, as required. Weekend work and the requirement to live-in at the weekend is only required when he is away on business.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Pastoral Care & Mentorship
* Act as a positive female role model, offering guidance, stability, and age-appropriate mentorship.
* Provide emotional support and companionship as required, with sensitivity and discretion.
* Foster independence while maintaining appropriate oversight and boundaries.
Education & School Coordination
* Oversee all aspects of school administration and organisation.
* Liaise with teaching staff, tutors, and school administration regarding academic progress, pastoral matters, and scheduling.
* Monitor homework, revision planning, and overall academic engagement.
* Coordinate parent evenings, school reports, trips, and extracurricular commitments.
* Maintain awareness of school communications, including parent portals and group updates.
Scheduling & Logistics
* Manage transportation to school, appointments, and extracurricular activities.
* Coordinate and manage diaries in collaboration with the father’s PA, Estate Manager and Household Team
* Organise and oversee medical, dental, and other appointments.
Health & Wellbeing
* Maintain up-to-date awareness of the girls’ medical needs and treatments.
* Manage healthcare appointments, vaccinations, and follow-ups.
* Support general wellbeing, including routine, nutrition awareness, and lifestyle balance.
Personal Organisation
* Oversee personal requirements such as toiletries, school uniform upkeep, and day-to-day essentials.
* Ensure the girls are organised and prepared for school and activities.
Household & Team Communication
* Maintain regular, professional communication with the father’s PA, Estate Manager, wider household team and security.
* Share relevant updates regarding schedules, movements, and key events.
* Liaise with kitchen staff regarding dietary requirements and guest arrangements.
* Cook for the girls as and when required. This will be most important at weekends in line with pre-arranged travel.
Social & Extracurricular Support
* Coordinate with parents of the girls’ friends to organise social engagements.
* Support and encourage involvement in extracurricular activities, including sports and music.
* Provide academic tutoring support where appropriate.
Candidate Profile
* Proven experience working with older children or teenagers in a private household, school, or similar setting.
* Highly discreet, professional, and emotionally mature
* Strong organisational and administrative skills
* Confident communicator, able to liaise with schools, staff, and external contacts.
* Flexible and adaptable
* Moderate cooking skills needed.
* Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital school platforms.
* Full driving licence essential
Additional Information
* Overseas travel, i.e. accompanying the family on holiday, may be required.
* The role involves working within a fully staffed household and requires a collaborative approach
* The successful candidate will be entrusted with a company credit card for role-related expenses
* The successful candidate will be able to live in a flat within the main house weekly and as required at times at weekends. This has a full kitchen, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms, which are all fully furnished.
Benefits
* 27 days annual leave + public holidays
* Pension Plan.
* Free onsite parking.