From September 2024
Godstowe School is an independent day and boarding school for girls age 3 to 13. We have
approximately 400 girls with a community of about 100 boarders from the UK as well as other
countries around the world, adding an important international and multicultural dimension to
the school.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and patient Deputy Housemistress for one of our 3 boarding
houses. Under the leadership of the Assistant Deputy Head (Boarding) and the
Houseparents/Housemistresses, the Deputy Housemistress will have the ability to relate to
girls aged 7 to 13 and will share in the pastoral responsibility and well-being of girls outside of
school curriculum time. The successful candidate will be expected to take full responsibility
when the Houseparent/Housemistress is off duty.
The position would suit someone with experience of working with children, preferably in a
boarding environment in an independent school, and will require teamwork, flexibility,
compassion, resilience and a good sense of humour.
The ethos of boarding at Godstowe is to provide a home-from-home feel and that of a large
extended family. Every boarder is encouraged to develop their full potential in all areas of life.
Our aim is for all our girls to grow up as confident, happy and successful individuals. One of the
many strengths of boarding at Godstowe includes the extensive Co-Curricular programme. As a
non-selective school, Godstowe is thriving in terms of examination results, enrichment, art,
musical and sporting achievement.
This is a full-time residential position during term time and duties will primarily be based in the
boarding house. The School offers competitive remuneration with all meals provided during
term-time. The Deputy Housemistress lives in the boarding house in a single room with ensuite,
and this accommodation is available to the post holder throughout term time and also
during holidays, if desired.
There is a genuine occupational requirement (as defined by Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality
Act 2010) for the postholder to be female. Accordingly, this post is open to women only.
Godstowe is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be
required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with
past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Introduction
To safeguard and promote the welfare of all girls within the boarding community. To work with the
Houseparent/Housemistress in ensuring that the House functions in accordance with the boarding policy and
school policies relating to discipline and pastoral welfare laid down by the Headmistress.
Management
The Deputy Housemistress is responsible directly to the Houseparent/Housemistress on a day-to-day basis. The
overall responsibility for Boarding lies with the Assistant Deputy Head (Boarding/Head of Boarding) and the
Headmistress, who is supported in this role by the two Deputy Heads.
Duties and Responsibilities:
● To be aware of and act upon all aspects of safeguarding and child protection
● To be aware of the implications of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools
● To attend boarding-related INSET and workshop training sessions, as required
● To have responsibility for running the Boarding House in the absence of the
Houseparent/Housemistress, in accordance with the Godstowe boarding policy and policies relating to
discipline and pastoral welfare
● To ensure that these policies are put into practice with the Houseparent/Housemistress and resident
Boarding Assistants
● To support and manage the House staff when on duty, keeping the Houseparent/Housemistress or, if
necessary, the Head of Boarding and Headmistress fully informed of any problems which may arise, as
relevant
● To liaise with parents and school staff as appropriate and keep the Houseparent/Housemistress fully
informed via the day book and/or email
● To attend Staff Meetings and other meetings as necessary or as requested by the Head of Boarding and/or
Headmistress
● To act in loco parentis if necessary and, therefore, to accept responsibility for the health, safety and
pastoral care of the girls in the House
● To help foster good relationships between day and boarding girls
JD Deputy Housemistress 120324 March 2024
● To help encourage a culture of learning, creativity and develop a family community with the house and
wider boarding community
● To liaise with the Nursing Team as required, regarding medical matters and keep accurate records of all
medicines dispensed, keeping the Housemistress fully informed of all details
● To assist in ensuring the House funds are kept in order
● To accompany girls to the Doctor, Dentist, Hospital or shopping, as required
● To help maintain all necessary records relating to pupil pastoral files, House records, etc
● To ensure that staff going off duty effectively communicate all relevant information to staff coming on
duty
General Duties
● To ensure registration takes place morning and evening when on duty
● To keep a record of travel arrangements for Exeats and holidays
● To liaise with the catering department with regard to weekend numbers and house supplies
● To help ensure that proper procedures are adhered to for girls signing in and out of the house and for
ensuring punctuality to morning registration
● To help ensure the observance of school uniform/dress code, maintaining the excellent presentation and
appearance of the boarding pupils
● To draw the attention of the Housemistress and Estates Team to any repairs required to the furnishings or
fabric of the building
● To participate in meetings at the School which relate to the curriculum, administration or organisation of
the school if appropriate
● To ensure that the boarders keep the house tidy
● To assist in the packing up at the end of each term
● To actively support school events as far as possible
● To undertake other duties specified by the Headmistress, the Head of Boarding or Housemistress, as
required
● To be on duty as laid down within the House staff rotas, including two working days prior to the start of a
new term and the two days immediately after the end of term. Where ‘off duty’ periods coincide with the
beginning or end of term, to be expected to adjust these in consultation with the Housemistress so that
the House is properly staffed at these times
● Deputy Housemistresses are expected to conduct themselves in appearance and behaviour in a
professional manner at all times, upholding the good name and policies of the school
Review
The job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment after consultation.
The above is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the
school in relation to the post.
Child Protection
All members of staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. All members of
staff are required to participate in regular safeguarding and child protection training and to follow the
safeguarding and child protection policy at all times. Any child protection issues must be referred to the
designated safeguarding lead and/or the Headmistress.
How to Apply
To view more information and apply, please visit https://www.godstowe.org/our-community/vacancies
