Part time (0.5) Assistant Houseparent

Are you a compassionate, dedicated professional with a passion for supporting young people in a residential environment? ACS International School Cobham is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Houseparent to join our boarding team and play a vital role in the pastoral care, wellbeing, and development of our boarding students.

This part-time position is based within one of our two on-site boarding houses and offers the opportunity to become part of a thriving international community committed to providing an outstanding boarding experience.

About ACS Cobham Boarding

ACS Cobham is home to a vibrant and diverse boarding community of approximately 200 students aged 12–18. Our world-class facilities include modern accommodation, dedicated study areas, cinema rooms, games and entertainment spaces, and beautifully landscaped outdoor environments, all designed to create a safe, supportive, and enriching home-from-home experience.

The Role

Working closely with the Lead Houseparent, you will help ensure the delivery of an exceptional boarding provision, maintaining high standards of student welfare, safeguarding, and pastoral care.

You will support students in all aspects of boarding life, helping them to thrive personally, socially, and academically while ensuring compliance with boarding regulations, health and safety requirements, and school policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day management and organisation of the boarding house
• Provide outstanding pastoral care and wellbeing support to boarding students
• Complete daily registration and monitor student attendance and welfare
• Maintain regular communication with parents, guardians, and external agents
• Support students with out-of-hours medical needs and emergencies
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and boarding regulations
• Maintain the overnight security and smooth operation of the boarding house
• Work collaboratively with boarding colleagues to promote a positive and inclusive community
• Support student enrichment activities and contribute to the wider boarding programme
• Monitor and encourage students’ academic engagement and personal development
• Undertake overnight residential duties and be available for emergency situations when on duty

Working Pattern

• Term-time only
• 25 hours per week
• Based on a fortnightly rota
• Working every other weekend
• Includes overnight residential duties
• Four days and nights off per fortnight, plus two nights off each week

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work within a highly respected international school community
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment
• Free on-site accommodation throughout the year
• Meals provided during term time
• Access to outstanding boarding and school facilities
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people from around the world.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous boarding house experience with students aged 12–18
• Experience of managing student behaviour and implementing sanctions appropriately
• Experience of working pastorally with young people, ideally within a boarding environment
• Strong knowledge of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools
• Experience managing health and safety requirements within a residential setting
• Ability to manage complex situations involving parents, guardians, and educational agents
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and supervisory skills
• Strong IT skills
• Professional standard of written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and respond effectively to changing situations
• Already based in the UK as visa sponsorship is not possible for this role.

Desirable

• Teaching experience
• Experience leading and organising student activities
• Inspection and compliance experience within a boarding environment.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity
• Is approachable, empathetic, and student-centred
• Builds positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families
• Is flexible, resilient, and solutions-focused
• Has a positive outlook and a well-developed sense of humour
• Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team while being confident working independently.

Join ACS Cobham and help create a safe, supportive, and inspiring boarding environment where young people can flourish.

Start date: August 2026

Closing date: 5th July 2026

Safeguarding

ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre-employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.