Sedbergh

HOUSEMASTER/HOUSEMISTRESS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Housemaster/Housemistress

Responsible to: Senior Deputy Head Pastoral

Main Purpose: To be responsible for the care, leadership and development of a boarding House and all of its pupils in a thriving and dynamic full-boarding school.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• leading the pastoral, academic and co-curricular development of all pupils in their care;

nurturing the physical and mental health, academic, social and emotional development of each pupil in their care;

encouraging and inspiring pupils to achieve and grow, and to become young people who are humble, ambitious, resilient and kind;

• all aspects of the smooth and efficient running, ethos and discipline of the House and compliance with regulatory requirements and School Rules;

actively promoting and implementing the School's Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Counter-Bullying policies;

establishing and nurturing a strong, collaborative relationship with parents and guardians;

ensuring that record-keeping and other essential House administration are maintained promptly and efficiently. This includes the careful preparation and checking of termly and half-termly reports, the maintenance of full and accurate pupil records (academic, safeguarding, pastoral and medical) in accordance with regulatory requirements and school policies, the annual review of House Handbooks, and records of induction and training of both staff and pupils;

• the performance, development and appraisal of the House Tutor team and other staff attached to the House;

• the daily management of the House in terms of Health and Safety, including the annual review of the House Risk Assessment;

• the regular and accurate registration of pupils, and for ensuring that any absences are followed up and accounted for promptly;

• the maintenance, decoration and development of the fabric and facilities of the House;

welcoming and making contact with prospective parents and pupils, and working closely with the Admissions team on all matters of recruitment;

organising House events and entertainment, and hosting social events for pupils and parents on a regular basis;

working supportively and collaboratively with the Housemasters/Housemistresses’ Committee to share best practice, and ensure high standards, consistency and fairness across the School;

• organising and encouraging charitable and fundraising activities involving all pupils in their care;

providing opportunities for all pupils to give feedback and make suggestions about their experience in the boarding House;

setting a strong moral example for pupils.

The successful candidate will have:

The ability to establish positive, collaborative and supportive working relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents;

• A proactive and creative approach to problem-solving;

• A warm and engaging manner, and a positive outlook;

Highly-effective communication skills, both oral and written;

Strong listening skills and approachability;

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail;

• An enthusiastic commitment to the School’s values, aims and ethos;

• The willingness to contribute significantly to the School’s rich and varied co-curricular programme;

• The energy, stamina and tenacity to thrive in a busy boarding environment;

• An inspirational vision for the development of the House, its pupils and its staff;

Health and Safety:

All staff should be aware of the school’s health and safety policy and implement it as appropriate.

Safeguarding:

All staff employed by Sedbergh School are expected to take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible or with whom they come into contact.

These roles and responsibilities provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the level of this post.

Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.