Residential Houseparent - Girlsʼ House (years 9-13)

Residential Houseparent - Girlsʼ House (years 9-13)

(Residential, Non-Teaching)

Permanent, Full-Time Position to start in January 2027

 INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

INTRODUCTION

Celebrated throughout the world as a centre of musical excellence, The
Purcell School is the most vibrant, exciting and exhilarating place to work or
study.  We are a close-knit community dedicated to nurturing some of the
worldʼs most talented young musicians and we recognize the unique privilege
it is to work with these incredibly gifted students.

Our students are the liveliest, most committed and self-motivated young
people you could hope to meet.  Every day, the Schoolʼs corridors echo with
the sound of extraordinary music as our students prepare for one of the 150
concerts we present every year, both here at School and in the most
prestigious venues in London.

It is a working environment quite unlike anywhere else!  We want our students
to be challenged and inspired by every aspect of their experience here, and
we support and encourage staff to achieve this.  Academic classes are small,
behaviour is excellent and the opportunities for innovative and creative
teaching practice are limitless.

If you are committed to providing an outstanding student experience and
prepared to play a full part in the life of this extraordinary place, The Purcell
School offers you the opportunity to join an exceptional team, serving truly
exceptional students in a totally unique environment. I very much hope you
will consider making an application to join us.

Kind regards,

Paul Bambrough
Principal

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Residential Houseparent
Boarding is central to life at the Purcell School. Houseparents play a vital role in the wellbeing of
our students, taking full responsibility for their welfare during term time and acting as role
models for students and colleagues alike across the School.

You  will  be  managing  the  day-to-day  care  of  boarders  ensuring  their  wellbeing  and  safety,
promoting a fulfilling educational experience and encouraging a caring, positive and productive
ethos in the House.

You will be living within the boarding community and will provide visible and inspiring leadership
within  your  House.  You  should  have  the  ability  to  develop and maintain warm, respectful and
valued rapport with young people, whilst understanding the professional boundaries that must
exist  between  staff  and  students.  You  should  act  as  a  positive  role  model,  demonstrating
self-motivation and mature interpersonal skills.

You  will  need  the  ability  to  negotiate  and  manage  complex  events  in  a  professional,  effective
manner  and  an  understanding  of  community  partnerships  and  organisation.  Imagination,
creativity, enthusiasm and a warm sense of humour are all essential!

You  will  need  effective  communication  skills  (oral  and  written)  and  the  ability  to  deal  with
students,  parents  and  staff  across  the  whole  School.  We expect you to maintain high personal
and  professional  standards,  including  recognition  of  the  confidentiality issues impacting upon
work in a school.

You must be able to demonstrate an awareness of safeguarding and child protection legislation
and issues and will be expected to uphold a full commitment to the best safeguarding practice.
You  will  be  committed  to  professional  growth  and  development,  especially  in  the  area  of
safeguarding and student wellbeing.

You  will  need  a  flexible  approach  to  your  duties  as  overnight  and  weekend  working  will  be
required  and  a  willingness  to  ʻmuck  inʼ is essential. There is an expectation that Houseparents
take  full  ownership  of  their  House,  ensuring  that  students  have  an  outstanding  boarding
experience  in  every  regard,  advocating  for  them  when  necessary  and  proactively  supporting
them however they might need. You will be supported to achieve this by other members of your
House team whom you will lead and manage.

Boarding  is  provided  across  three  Houses:  a  Junior  House  (Years  7-9,  mixed);  a  Senior  Girlsʼ
House  (Years 9 and above) and a large mixed House for years 10 and above. This position is for
the Senior Girlsʼ House.

If  you  genuinely  enjoy  the  company  of  young  people  and  are  passionate  about  making  a
significant difference to their lives, this could be the perfect job for you.  You need to be prepared
to  put  the  students  first  during  term  time  and  thrive  on  developing  and  maintaining  a House
culture which supports the Schoolʼs aims and each individual in your care. If this sounds like you,
we would be delighted to hear from you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a full-time post across a 34 week academic year.   Houseparents are entitled to a protected 24 hour period off each week
and regular Exeat weekends and holidays, but can expect to be present and available at all other times. The salary will be based
on the Schoolʼs salary scale, according to the successful candidateʼs experience, with a contributory pension scheme.

The post holder is required to live on-site. Subject to applicable HMRC rules, accommodation is provided free of rent, council tax
and  all  utilities  and  is  provided  for  the  period  of  the  contract.  Meals are available and free of charge in the School dining hall
during term time.

There  is  a  six  month  probationary  period  with  notice of one term on either side, after which the post will be confirmed with a
notice period of two terms. This post is subject to regular appraisal.

HOW TO APPLY

If  you  wish  to apply, please complete the Schoolʼs Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting
Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae.

Personal statements should outline your experience and evidence your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or
industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you to contribute to an outstanding student experience.

Interviews  will explore pastoral experience, the ability to relate appropriately to students and a willingness to contribute to the
whole School community. Candidates will be required to bring evidence of identity to the interview.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 19th April 2026
Start date: 1st January 2027

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to recruitment@purcell-school.org or by letter to: Recruitment, The
Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS.

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: Houseparent Girlsʼ House

REPORTS TO: The Director of Boarding

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR THE ROLE:

●  To provide the day-to-day care of boarders in their charge and to safeguard their welfare.
●  To be aware of and comply with current health and safety, safeguarding and child protection legislation and procedures,

and to uphold the Schoolʼs policy on child protection.

●  To ensure that daily registration is carried out effectively and according to school policy.
●  To  encourage  every  student  in their House to develop to their full potential, academically, musically and socially and to

promote their personal development, including leadership, consideration for others and courtesy.

●  To help ensure that boarding staff, parents and students understand the aims and objectives of boarding in the House and

the principles on which community life in the House is based.

●  To  help  maintain  good  order  and  ensure  a  high  standard  of  discipline  within  their  House,  according  to  the  Schoolʼs

behaviour policy.

●  To consult with appropriate staff, tutors, parents and guardians over issues involving students in their House so that their

diverse learning, social and emotional needs are met.

●  To  help  maintain  all records as required including studentsʼ individual files and to write the requisite pastoral and other

reports as appropriate.

●  To  help  manage  the  staffing,  organisation  and  resources  of  the  House  efficiently,  ensuring  that  appropriate  adult

supervision is provided at all times when students are in residence.

●  To help manage the House budget in consultation with the Finance Manager.
●  To  ensure  compliance  within  the  House  of  the  requirements  of  all  current  legislation  (including the National Minimum

Boarding Standards and Independent School Regulations) and all school policies.

●  To support the smooth running of the House by being a proactive presence in the House throughout each week, and via

the duty rota.  Up to three nightsʼ overnight “on call” will be required per week.

●  To  be  in  residence  for  48  hours  prior  to and after the end of each term to assist with the preparation and closing of the

House.

●  To participate in school inset day meetings.
●  To contribute to the Schoolʼs extra-curricular provision.
●  To assist occasionally at whole school events.
●  To assist with emergency situations outside of duty hours if necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and Knowledge:

Experience of working within a residential setting (essential), preferably as a Houseparent, Assistant Houseparent or Resident
Tutor (desirable)

Experience of working in an educational setting (desirable)

A strong track record of providing pastoral care to young people and successfully supporting their overall wellbeing

Knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills essential for student success

Ability and Skills:

Good listening skills with the ability to deal with issues in a sensitive, sympathetic and diplomatic manner

The ability to engage with young people and develop positive and meaningful working relationships

The ability to establish a safe, positive and purposeful working atmosphere in which students feel secure and confident in their
Houses

The ability to work as a proactive member of a team

The ability to work independently, take initiative and solve problems

Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to handle competing demands on your time

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues

Strong IT skills with experience using databases (experience of SIMS is desirable)

A willingness to drive the School minibus - training can be provided (desirable)

Personal Attributes:

To have an interest in music and assisting young people to achieve their potential (it is not essential to be a practising musician)

Flexibility and willingness to be involved in and committed to the ethos of a seven day a week Boarding School, including
organising and supporting extra-curricular activities

The ability to inspire students of all levels and abilities and be committed to their success in all areas of school life

Enthusiasm, energy and imagination

Calm and confident with a personal warmth to be able to connect with students in a meaningful way