Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission)

RESIDENTASSISTANTHEAD(BOARDINGAND MISSION)Appointment ofCandidate Information Pack CONTENTS5Our Mission Statementand Vision3Headmaster’s IntroductionAcademic Excellence8-10The Role and Responsibilities6Background InformationThe Benefits1921Ratcliffe Terms12-18I wish you the very best of luck with your application. Yours sincerely, Kind regards,Mr J. P. Reddin,Headmaster.Welcome to Ratcliffe College. I am delighted that you are considering applying for a role at our wonderful school. Firstand foremost, Ratcliffe College is a fantastic place to work. We are blessed with abeautiful physical environment set in almost 200 acres of rolling Leicestershirecountryside. Our staff, teaching and non-teaching, work in harness, daily, to provide asafe, secure, and nurturing environment for the children and young people to enjoy.Our collegiality is built on the foundations of the College’s Catholic faith, whichwelcomes everyone with the same universality of warmth and respect, embracingdifference and cultivating an authentic community which values everyone equally. As a Catholic School with a proud Rosminian heritage which has endured since ourFoundation in 1847, our aim is to help young people to achieve their greatest potential,guide their intellectual growth, nurture their God-given talents, and inspire them to livein service to others. Together, we aim to develop honest, confident, responsible, andcompassionate members of society, based on the educational values of BlessedAntonio Rosmini, inspired by our school motto, Legis Plenitudo Charitas’ or Love is thefulfilment of the Law. At Ratcliffe College, Christ is very much at the centre of all that we do. This role willwork closely with me and my Senior Leadership Team to bring our Catholic RosminianMission to life. So, if our Mission resonates, and you believe you can be happy andthrive here, I encourage you to apply and join our team of staff as we fulfil our Mission.HEADMASTER’S INTRODUCTION34“Learning and Growing in the Light ofthe Gospel.”With Christ at the centre of our learning we: Help young people to achieve their greatestpotential.Guide their intellectual growth, nurture their     God-given talents, and inspire them to live inservice to others.Aim to develop honest, confident, responsible andcompassionate members of society, based on theeducational values of Blessed Antonio Rosmini. Our core Rosminian values: 1. Legis Plenitudo Charitas: Love is the Fulfilment ofthe Law. Our community recognises each individual as aunique part of God’s creation, nurtures in each asense of dignity and self-worth, and fosters supportiveand caring relationships. 2. Rosminian Education pursues the perfection of bothhuman nature and the human person. Our students’ intellect and talents are formed by abroad and balanced curriculum, responsive to andsupportive of students’ needs and aspirations. Ourstudents’ moral integrity is developed through theteaching, celebration and the living of Christian faith.3. Intellectual integrity leads us to the Truth. God is the source of all truth. Our staff are encouragedto foster intellectual curiosity, honesty andachievement in their students and within themselves. OUR VISIONTo be a leading independent day and boarding school,which is financially secure. OURMISSIONSTATEMENTSCAN THE CODE 3-YEAR STRATEGYDEVELOPMENT PLAN 2025-2028.5Ratcliffe students enjoy an excellent all-roundbalanced education, underpinned by theCollege’s core Rosminian Catholic ethos. While students at Ratcliffe have a broad rangeof ability, academic success is stronglyencouraged, valued and recognised; indeed,the greatly improved academic standards inrecent years have proved popular both withparents and prospective parents, as reflected inthe numbers of students applying to join theCollege.Ratcliffe College has repeatedly ranked in thetop 1% nationally for value added results at A Level.A Level results achieved in 2025: 45% of A Level grades A*/A 71% grade B or above. Ten percent of students achieved A*/A*/A orbetter. One in four students achieved A Level orBTEC grades equivalent to A/A/A or higher.Over 90% of students typically achieve their firstchoice pathway for life after School. Thisincludes students taking up places at Oxford,Cambridge, and other highly selective RussellGroup universities; for Medicine, Dentistry andVeterinary Science; and at universities abroad. ACADEMICEXCELLENCE6Scan to view thefull ISI InspectionReport. 7Ratcliffe College is one of England's leading Catholic independent day and boardingschools, set in 200 acres of beautiful Leicestershire countryside at Ratcliffe on theWreake. Founded in 1847 by the Rosminian Fathers (Institute of Charity), the Collegeprovides an outstanding co-educational day and boarding education for 900 pupilsaged 3 to 18, from Nursery through to the Sixth Form.Working alongside an experienced Headmaster, a new Head of the PreparatorySchool, a committed group of peers on the Senior Leadership Team and a Board ofGovernors focused on sustainable growth and long-term ambition, this is a genuinelycompelling moment to join the Senior Leadership Team at Ratcliffe College.ABOUT RATCLIFFE COLLEGE 8THE OPPORTUNITYRatcliffe College is seeking to appoint an exceptional and visionary leader to the roleof Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission). This is a rare opportunity to lead within acommunity where Boarding and Catholic Life and Mission are not simply priorities,but are lived with authenticity, joy and conviction at every level of College life.Inspection evidence (Catholic Schools’ Inspection, June 2025, and ISI, December2025) confirms that Ratcliffe is an outstanding school by every measure. Our youngpeople are known, valued and cared for, and grow into confident, compassionatecitizens who understand their responsibility to serve others and contribute to thecommon good.As a member of the Executive Senior Leadership Team, you will be joining a teamwhere leaders prioritise the pastoral care and welfare of pupils, enabling them toflourish academically and personally within a safe, supportive and values-drivenenvironment. Within this context, boarding plays a vital role. It is a place where theCollege’s Catholic Rosminian charism is lived most fully as a residential communityof belonging, care and formation. Our recent inspections tell us that boarders benefitfrom a high-quality pastoral environment, a strong sense of community and a culturewhere they feel safe, supported and able to thrive.This role offers the opportunity to build on these exceptional foundations by leadingthe strategic development of boarding, strengthening recruitment and retention, andensuring that boarding remains a distinctive expression of Ratcliffe’s Catholic identityand mission.This is a non-teaching role for a practising Roman Catholic, working throughout thecalendar year.9THE ROLEThe Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) will embody the late Pope Francis’s call for pastoralaccompaniment. This is a role for a leader who is energised by building something, not simplymaintaining it.The Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) provides strategic leadership for:The development and growth of boarding, including increasing occupancy and retentionThe quality of the lived boarding experience, ensuring it remains sector-leadingThe College’s immersion and summer programmes, strengthening international recruitmentpathwaysThe Catholic Life and Mission of the College, as Senior Lay ChaplainThe successful candidate will join the Executive Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole-school strategy. Inspection findings highlight that the College’s Rosminian charism is lived with authenticity,creating a deeply inclusive and values-led community. Regular student voice tells us that ourstudents are happy, confident and feel genuinely cared for, with a strong sense of belonging.Underpinning this, the Chaplaincy provision is a real strength from Nursery to Sixth Form, with adynamic and meaningful programme of prayer and liturgy. This role builds directly on these strengths, combining mission-led leadership with entrepreneurialresponsibility for growing boarding numbers.You will:Lead the development of a modern, flexible boarding model, including provision for a dayboarding programmeDrive innovative recruitment strategies across UK and international marketsShape a distinctive boarding identity rooted in belonging, character formation and communityDevelop programmes across the College, from ages 3 to 18, that connect faith, service andglobal engagementThe College recognises that strong boarding leadership drives sustainability and growth and thatour identity is fundamental to why parents choose Ratcliffe. We are a thriving school, currentlyoperating a waiting list for Year 7 entry in September 2026. This role offers:A competitive base salary A generous performance-related bonus structure of up to c. 30% of base salary linked to:Boarding occupancy and growthStudent retentionSummer school and immersion programme successSuitable accommodation provided according to the needs of the postholderWe are seeking a candidate who:Has significant experience in boarding leadership (Housemaster/Housemistress or equivalent)Demonstrates a track record of innovation, recruitment or programme developmentIs a practising Roman Catholic, committed to leading and witnessing faith in a school community. A letterof support from your parish priest will be sought upon shortlisting.Is a visible, relational leader, able to build trust with pupils, parents and staffBrings energy, creativity and strategic ambitionThis post carries significant responsibility for the Catholic Life, Mission and Chaplaincy of Ratcliffe College,including serving as the Senior Lay Chaplain, leading prayer and liturgy, supporting faith formation, and actingas a visible witness to the Catholic ethos across the whole school community. These duties are central andintrinsic to the nature and purpose of the role.Accordingly, it is an occupational requirement that the postholder be a baptised, practising Roman Catholic, aspermitted under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, because the faith commitment of the postholder is crucialto the effective and authentic fulfilment of these pastoral, spiritual and mission‑led responsibilities.This is not a traditional boarding role.  It is an opportunity to lead, grow and reimagine boarding within a schoolwhere the foundations are already exceptional, and where the next phase requires strategic vision, energy andfaith-driven leadership.For more information about this role, please contact the Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr James Rainer (jrainer@ratcliffecollege.com), who will line manage the successful applicant, for an informalconversation.1011PURPOSE OF THE ROLE12The Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) provides strategic leadership for theCollege’s boarding provision, residential programmes and Catholic Rosminian Lifeand Mission, ensuring outstanding pastoral care and that the Rosminian charism iscentral to College life. The postholder will embody the spirit of pastoralaccompaniment espoused by Pope Francis.1.The Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) serves as the senior Lay Chaplain,acting as a visible witness, pastor, leader and educator to support the growth ofCatholic Life, Mission and Collective Worship. This includes line management ofthe RATS (Ratcliffe Action, Thanksgiving and Service) Coordinator and supportfor the Lower and Middle School Lay Chaplains.2.The postholder will lead the strategic development of boarding, promoting pupilwellbeing and personal development while strengthening recruitment andretention of domestic and international students through innovation and high-quality lived experience.3.The role oversees all boarding houses and leads the development of immersionand summer programmes, ensuring alignment with the College’s long-termstrategic plan.4.The Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) will work closely with theHeadmaster, Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head Pastoral, Director of Marketingand Admissions, Recruitment and UKVI Compliance Manager, and boardingteams to ensure boarding remains a distinctive and thriving part of the Collegecommunity.5.The postholder will be a highly visible senior pastoral leader, working with theDeputy Head Pastoral, Director of Safeguarding and others to shape the strategicdevelopment of pupil wellbeing across day and boarding provision.This role is part of the Executive Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole-school strategy and working closely with Preparatory and Senior School leadership.The terms of occupancy of College accommodation require any cohabiting couples tobe married.Key Tasks and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Development of BoardingDevelop and implement a strategic plan for boarding that supports the College’s long-termstrategic vision.Identify opportunities to expand the boarding provision, including flexible and short-termboarding options for day pupils. The College aspires to become a sector leader in developing aculture of boarding within our day market.Lead initiatives that enhance the attractiveness of boarding to both UK and internationalfamilies.Monitor developments and trends in boarding education nationally and internationally, advisingsenior leaders on opportunities for future development.Contribute to the strategic leadership of the College through participation in senior leadershipmeetings and strategic planning days as appropriate.BoardingThe Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) has devolved overall responsibility for theleadership and development of Boarding and reports to the Deputy Head Pastoral withregard to the spiritual, strategic and operational development of the College’s boardingprovision.Specific responsibilities in relation to Boarding include, but are not limited to, the following:Represent the spiritual, strategic and operational needs of Boarding within the College’sleadership structures as required.Provide leadership and line management for the Senior Housemaster and SeniorHousemistress of the College’s boarding houses.Support the House teams in maintaining high standards of pastoral care, behaviour andwellbeing for all boarders.Ensure consistency of expectations, routines and standards across the boarding houses, whilesupporting each House in maintaining its own identity and character.Oversee the delivery of weekday and weekend activities and trips within the boardingprogramme, ensuring a varied and engaging programme for all boarders. This will includegathering weekly student voice feedback about the trips for the better planning of theprogramme.Act as a daily, visible and approachable presence within the boarding community, buildingstrong relationships with pupils, parents and staff.Chair meetings of Boarding Staff and of the Boarding Council, ensuring minutes are circulatedpromptly.Prepare a termly report on Boarding for inclusion in the Deputy Head Pastoral’s report to theGovernors’ Pastoral Sub-Committee and attend meetings of the Sub-Committee as required.Lead ongoing monitoring and the House Evaluation process, ensure that the College meets orexceeds all National Minimum Standards for Boarding and remains compliant with all relevantregulatory requirements, promptly advising the Senior Leadership Team and the EstatesManager of any areas of risk.13International Programmes, Immersion and Summer SchoolProvide strategic oversight of the College’s immersion programmes and summer schoolprovision, which includes in-term immersion programmes, half-term boarding camps, andresidential Summer Schools.Line manage the Summer School and Immersion Programme Coordinator.Work with the Coordinator to develop high-quality programmes for visiting internationalstudents that promote language development, cultural understanding and engagement withthe life of the College.Ensure that immersion and summer programmes support the College’s internationalrecruitment strategy and contribute to the long-term growth of boarding.Develop opportunities for visiting students to experience the College’s boarding and widerco-curricular life.Support the staffing of the half-term boarding camps and residential Summer School asrequired.Act as the Educational Visits Coordinator for these programmes.Recruitment, Admissions and MarketingAssist the Headmaster and Admissions and Marketing team with the promotion andmarketing of boarding and the admission procedures for boarding students. This will includetravel domestically and overseas.Contribute to the strategic direction of student recruitment and retention throughmembership of the Recruitment, Admissions and Marketing committee.Work closely with the Admissions, Marketing and Communications teams to ensure thatcurrent and prospective families, guardians and agents have a clear understanding of theCollege’s pastoral care and boarding provision.Engage with prospective families, agents and guardians as required to promote theboarding experience at the College.Oversee the production of communications for boarding parents, including newsletters, andensure that the boarding content on the College website and the College’s social mediachannels remains up to date.Pastoral ManagementAct as one of the College’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) and contributeto the work of the Student Support Services team.Meet with parents and support pastoral and safeguarding casework relating to boarders asrequired.Support the Director of Safeguarding in monitoring online safety concerns and reportingsystems relating to boarders, taking appropriate action where necessary and supportingtraining for boarding staff.Keep abreast of developments in pastoral care, boarding practice, adolescent wellbeing andtechnology, leading the professional development of boarding staff in these areas.Act as a visible presence across the boarding and day communities, and within both thePreparatory and Senior Schools, building trust and rapport with pupils, parents and staff.Support the promotion of high standards of behaviour and adherence to College pastoralpolicies.14StaffingLine manage the Senior Housemaster and Senior Housemistress of the boardinghouses.Line manage the Summer School and Immersion Programme Coordinator.Oversee the workload of Resident Graduate Assistants, acting as a conduit betweentheir line managers in school and in boarding where appropriate.Support the recruitment, induction and professional development of the boardingteam.Contribute to the appraisal and development of boarding staff within the College’sappraisal framework.Compliance and InspectionBe aware of all statutory frameworks and College policies, regulations, rewards andsanctions relevant to boarding.Assist the Deputy Head Pastoral in preparing for inspection, including CatholicSchools’ Inspection and Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection.Ensure that the College remains compliant with the National Minimum Standards forBoarding and relevant regulatory guidance.Monitoring and DevelopmentMonitor boarding numbers, retention rates and pupil feedback to inform the ongoingdevelopment of boarding provision.Provide strategic reports on boarding and Community to the Headmaster andGovernors.Use data and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation withinboarding.15Catholic EthosAs Senior Lay Chaplain, the Assistant Head (Boarding and Mission) will play a leading role innurturing and developing the Catholic Life and Mission of the College in accordance with theRosminian charism and the College Mission Statement, Learning and Growing in the Light ofthe Gospel.Ratcliffe College is unique in the United Kingdom as an all-through Rosminian school, and it isa key responsibility of the postholder to nurture this identity. The postholder will act as a visible witness to the Catholic faith within the College communityand will work closely with the Father President, the Head of the Preparatory School, the DeputyHead Pastoral, the Head of Religious Studies, the Lower School Lay Chaplain and RATSCoordinator (who will deputise the postholder in matters related to the Chaplaincy), the MiddleSchool Lay Chaplain and the Chaplaincy Teams to support the spiritual formation of pupils andstaff.Responsibilities include:Ensure that the Annual Plan of Provision is coherent and well-planned, reflecting the needsof the College community, the Liturgical Calendar and the requirements of the CatholicEducation Service and the Nottingham Diocese.Supporting the planning and celebration of the liturgical life of the College, includingcommunity Masses, reconciliation services, feast days and other acts of collective worshipsuch as weekly Celebrations of the Word.Encouraging and supporting pupils and staff to participate actively in prayer, worship andthe sacramental life of the Church.Providing pastoral and spiritual support to pupils and staff across the College community,with particular attention to those who are vulnerable or in need of guidance.Leading and supporting opportunities for spiritual formation, including retreats, reflectiondays, pilgrimages and charitable initiatives under the banner of RATS (Ratcliffe Action,Thanksgiving and Service), the College charity.Working closely with the Chaplaincy Team to develop the chaplaincy programme and toensure that the Catholic ethos and Rosminian identity of the College remain central to dailylife.Supporting the work of the Religious Studies department and contributing to the widerformation of pupils in faith, service and leadership.Maintaining strong relationships with the Rosminian community, local parishes anddiocesan networks in order to support the spiritual life of the College.Contributing to the pastoral life of the boarding community through the leadership of prayer,participation in boarding liturgies and a regular presence within boarding houses.GeneralContribute to the Headmaster’s Assembly reflection rota where appropriate.Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be assigned from time to time by theHeadmaster.16PERSON SPECIFICATION17EssentialA practising, baptised Roman Catholic with a clear commitment to supporting and leadingCatholic Life and Mission in a school contextSignificant leadership experience in boarding (for example, Housemaster/Housemistress orequivalent senior role) within a Preparatory School or Senior SchoolProven ability to lead and develop high-quality pastoral provision, with a strongunderstanding of childhood development and wellbeingDemonstrable experience of strategic leadership, including planning, implementation andevaluation of initiativesExperience of leading, managing and developing staff, including performance managementand professional developmentStrong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care in a boardingcontext, with the ability to act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and promote astrong safeguarding culture that underpins all that we do as a CollegeSecure knowledge of relevant statutory frameworks, including the National MinimumStandards for Boarding, Keeping Children Safe in Education and Independent Schools’StandardsExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effectiverelationships with pupils, parents, staff and external stakeholdersA visible, approachable and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust andconfidenceAbility to contribute to whole-school strategic leadership as part of a senior leadership teamCommitment to promoting inclusion, equality and a strong sense of belonging within adiverse boarding communityHigh levels of organisational skill, resilience and professional judgementDesirableExperience of leading or contributing to inspection processes (ISI and/or Catholic Schools’Inspection)Experience of international student recruitment, admissions or programme development(for example, immersion or summer schools)Experience of working across both day and boarding contexts Experience of chaplaincy leadership or involvement in school-based liturgy, retreats or faithformation programmesUnderstanding of marketing, recruitment and retention strategies within an independentschool contextExperience of leading innovation or growth within a boarding or educational settingFamiliarity with UKVI requirements and compliance in relation to international studentsTermDetailsRole TitleAssistant Head (Boarding and Mission)Reporting lineDeputy Head Pastoral, with regular, direct access to the Headmaster,Head of the Preparatory School, Chief Operating Officer and SeniorDeputy HeadContract typePermanent, full-time, residential. The postholder is entitled to 5.6 weeks ofleave (including bank holidays).Start DateSeptember 2026 (or January 2027 for the right candidate)LocationRatcliffe College, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicestershire LE7 4SGSalaryCompetitive, commensurate with scope and candidate experience, withaccess to a generous, performance-related bonus structure.TERMS OF APPOINTMENTWe welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Ratcliffe College is an equalopportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Allappointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.To apply, please complete the application form, ensuring that your supporting statement clearlyaddresses all relevant criteria outlined in the Person Specification. You should provide specificexamples from your career to demonstrate how you meet these requirements.Closing date: Midday, Friday 24th April 2026.Interviews: Friday 1 May 2026 or w/c Monday 4 MaystthFor more information about this role, please contact the Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr James Rainer (jrainer@ratcliffecollege.com), who will line manage the successful applicant, foran informal conversation.HOW TO APPLYRatcliffe College reserves the right tointerview and appoint ahead of theclosing date.If you do not hear anything further withintwo weeks of the closing date, pleaseassume that you have not beensuccessful on this occasion.INVITED TO INTERVIEW Visit our vacancies page.Please follow the link above to visit themain vacancies page on our schoolwebsite. Search for the vacancy youwish to apply for, complete the onlineapplication form in full and submit it tous before the closing date. COMPLETE AN ONLINEAPPLICATION FORM18THE BENEFITS OFWORKING ATRATCLIFFE COLLEGEDefined ContributionsPension Scheme.Suitable accommodation (Benefit in Kind)Free lunch andrefreshments Professional Developmental opportunities Sport and LeisureFree use of the on-site gym       (at specified times)Staff Wellbeing50% school fees remission fordependents (subject to meetingentrance requirements)Staff Wellbeing Committee     Free staff social events                        Access to on-site Medical CareRatcliffe College CommunityCommittee Access to the School Counsellor SCAN THE CODE TAKE A LOOK AROUND OUR VIRTUAL CAMPUSTOUR.19Child ProtectionRatcliffe College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and youngpeople and expects all staff to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation ofOffenders Act 1974, and applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions (includingthose which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules), in order to assesstheir suitability to work with children. For further information, please see the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy andhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974The College is also registered for the processing of personal data in accordance with the DataProtection Act 1998. Such checks are required in accordance with the Recruitment, Selection andDisclosures policy and the Data Protection policy. Copies of these policies may be obtained from theDirector of Finance and Operations upon request.The appointment is subject to satisfactory:References, of which one must be from a current or most recent employer if not currently inemploymentDisclosure and Barring Service check (including children’s barred list check if appropriate)Open source checkProof of identityRight to work checkQualifications checkHealth screeningProhibition from Teaching / Management (as applicable)RATCLIFFE TERMS2119Ratcliffe College, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SGwww.ratcliffecollege.comHR: 01509 817089HR@ratcliffecollege.com