Boarding and Day Prep School in West Berkshire for boys and girls aged 3-13
Elstree is looking to appoint an exceptional candidate for the post of Boarding Housemaster/mistress from September 2023 to lead the boarding at Elstree. The primary role is to provide outstanding pastoral care for pupils in the boarding house. You will help to provide a relaxed, warm and caring environment for our weekly and flexi boarders. You will lead and motivate the rest of the boarding team and be responsible for all aspects of running the boarding house. The successful candidate will have outstanding inter-personal skills, previous experience in boarding and a real ambition to make Elstree known for its first-class boarding provision. You will be an energetic and inspirational leader and be fully supportive of the all-round ethos and strategic vision of the school. All subject backgrounds will be considered.
Flexi boarding starts from Year 4 at Elstree and we create a warm family orientated environment which is safe, respectful and inclusive. Boarders in Years 4-6 are able to board for any number of nights during the week, and those in Years 7 & 8 board for a minimum of three nights per week. There is no boarding on a Saturday night other than on Big Weekends (around three per term). We celebrate the school values of hard work, kindness to others and making the most of opportunities in all that we do at Elstree. We aspire to create well-rounded responsible and confident children who achieve their best and have enjoyed a fun and adventure packed time at Elstree. We understand each parent’s desire for their child to feel happy and secure and consider our role in the children’s development and happiness as a great privilege.
This position is a pivotal role within the school. It is open to individual applicants or couples who wish to act as House Parents. For the purposes of this document, the role will be described as the ‘Head of Boarding’ but it is likely that you will be named as Housemaster, Housemistress or (if applicable) House Parents. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an individual/couple to shape the future of boarding at Elstree. Generous family accommodation within the boarding house is provided.
This is not a job for the fainthearted and requires great energy, commitment and resilience. It will be essential for the Head of Boarding to be able to work with, and manage, a team of staff, and to motivate them to work well together. The importance of galvanising a hard-working boarding and residential staff team cannot be underestimated. A real sense of energy and purpose is essential, as is a good sense of humour. Equally, it is an exciting opportunity which should be hugely rewarding and great fun. Elstree has a strong boarding ethos and there is real momentum for girls and boys to start boarding. With the day-to-day running of the boarding house, there is also a need for the Head of Boarding to be on top of the paperwork and associated administrative load, including registers, flexi-boarding requests, financial updates, end of term reports for all boarders, boarding handbook, safeguarding procedures, policies and promotional material.
Set in 150 acres of stunning parkland in rural West Berkshire, Elstree welcomes boys and girls aged 3-13 years. Elstree is a highly successful co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 3-13 years, with well-motivated and enthusiastic pupils, and a friendly, welcoming Common Room. It is an exciting place to work. We prepare pupils for the leading senior schools, and we seek a dynamic person to lead our boarding team.
We welcome applications from experienced teachers or ECTs who are looking for a new challenge to join our thriving school. Ideally, applicants would be able to teach up to Common Entrance and Scholarship level. You will join a committed, hardworking and friendly community who work closely together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils. You must also be willing to immerse yourself in the sporting, extra-curricular and pastoral life of this busy co-educational school.
At Elstree, we are constantly striving to offer the best experience to our pupils and staff. We offer a supportive and professional workplace with excellent terms, conditions and benefits. We seek to inspire each pupil to fulfil their academic and personal potential and to be reflective and purposeful. We aim to appoint candidates who will contribute and thrive in our vibrant community.
To apply, please complete the attached application form or download an application pack from our website and email it to apply@elstreeschool.org.uk. If you require further information, please call Rachel Pither, Head of HR on 0118 971 0604.
Applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and we reserve the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. The closing date for receipt of all applications, is Midday on Friday 3rd March, 2023.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
