Job Description

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.  This post is subject to an enhanced DBS.

For September 2023, we require a non-teaching Senior Houseparent to join our ambitious, successful and innovative State Boarding School. Our provision comprises 4 houses for 125 resident students from 13-18 years old. This is an exciting opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience for career development. Part of the Bohunt Education Trust, SGS is a large, rural comprehensive school with over 2000 day school students.

The aim of boarding at Steyning is: ‘To contribute to the development of positive, independent and fully engaged citizens of our global community, equipped with the character to flourish in their future’.

A highly desirable rural market town, Steyning is surrounded by the South Downs National Park yet has good connections to the rest of Sussex and is only 4 miles from the coast. We welcome applications from experienced Boarding professionals who share our commitment to providing exceptional holistic care for our students.

“Boarders make significant, sometimes exceptional, progress across education, social and psychological areas of their development. Boarders greatly = appreciate the all-round education they receive and attribute this to the ethos of those who work with them”. Ofsted 2022

The successful candidate will have the freedom and autonomy to lead a residential boarding house, oversee the day-to-day operations of the community and deputise for the Director of Boarding where necessary.

Successful candidates will be:
● Experienced in working with 13-18 year olds in a residential setting.
● Flexible, generous with their time and responsive to the needs of the students in their care.
● Solution-focussed, resilient and optimistic.
● Empathetic and able to model courageous advocacy for young people.
● Outstanding pastoral carers with a proven track-record.
● Able to fully support the boarding provision of the school.
● A good communicator with outstanding people skills.
● Someone with a good sense of humour.

If you would relish the opportunity of working with us in our supportive and stimulating professional environment, then we would like to hear from you.

Letters of application should be no longer than 2 pages of A4 and outline your interest in joining our organisation and fulfilling this role, and your fit against the essential professional qualifications and experience criteria set out in the job description. A full application form (for Support Staff) will also need to be completed.

Closing Date: Friday 19th May 2023 (09.00am)
Interviews to be held on Wednesday 24th May 2023.
Pre application visits to the Boarding campus are welcomed.
If you require any further information or wish to discuss the post further, then please
do not hesitate to contact Tom Leighton, Director of Boarding, on 01903 817601 or
via email tleighton@sgs.uk.ne