Winchester College is welcoming a cohort of Sixth Form boarding girls in 2026. The appointment of the inaugural Housemistress/master represents an exceptional opportunity to shape and influence the education of Sixth Form girls at Winchester College.

Description

RESPONSIBLITIES OF HOUSEMISTRESS/MASTER

Primary responsibilities:

Quickly establish a supportive, welcoming and cohesive culture in the new house;

Help develop and maintain a positive boarding environment, guided by the School’s Boarding Principles, where pupils’ needs are met, their abilities and strengths identified, and where they are given the support and space in which to flourish,

Oversight of the overall progress and welfare of each pupil in the house

Be the primary point of contact for parents and guardians and ensure efficient and timely communication with parents, colleagues and pupils

Oversight of the higher education process for each pupil, offering advice and guidance

Ensure that every pupil in the House can develop their full social, academic, cultural and sporting potential

Work with the body of Housemasters to ensure that a consistent standard is set for behaviour, conduct and achievement and especially in the consistent and fair application of sanctions

Balance the needs of the House community and those of the individual

Lead the team of Assistant Housemaster/mistress, Resident Tutor, Tutors, Matron and Relief Matron, delegating where appropriate

Be on call and provide significant pastoral time in support of the pupils and the wider House team

Work with the Admissions team to recruit pupils of high academic potential, including by attending Open Days and other admissions events and interviewing prospective pupils

Play a leading role in the induction of new Sixth Form girl boarders

Additional responsibilities:

Reside in the boarding house during term-time in order to have full pastoral and academic oversight of the pupils in it and comply with National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (NMS)

Attend meetings as arranged by Senior Management

Promote a climate in which the School Rules and policies are understood and respected and enforce them when necessary

Maintain the routines of the day and give particular thought to the content of Preces

Keep the Headmaster, Second Master and Deputy Head Pastoral informed of all issues concerning the welfare and discipline of the House and its pupils and always report promptly to the Second Master serious breaches of the rules

Ensure appropriate supervision and monitoring of pupils throughout the week

Produce reports and references for pupils

Take care of the fabric and facilities of the House to make sure they are well cared for and that safety procedures are known and practised

Manage the Matron and other House staff

Efficiently manage the Budget and other financial procedures for the House

Invite dons and other adults to House lunch and encourage them always to attend

Compliance and Safeguarding:

Co-ordinate the induction of House tutors, and the House prefect teams into the orderly running of the house (for example house routines around signing in and out)

Ensure that all staff working in the House and House prefects/leaders are aware of important School policies

Maintain all safeguarding, pastoral and disciplinary records (including incidents of bullying) on CPOMS

Liaise closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and Second Master in all matters relating to pastoral care and pupil wellbeing

Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead in all safeguarding issues

Liaise closely with the Health and Wellbeing Centre in all matters relating to pupils’ health

PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES

This person should

Have a clear vision for high quality Sixth Form girls’ boarding

Possess the necessary experience and skills to deliver this vision in an academically stimulating environment in which girls’ boarding is a new development

Possess excellent academic qualifications

Demonstrably enjoy young people’s company and be committed to their wellbeing

Be calm, patient and possess the ability to make decisions under pressure

Be able to handle a crisis, having good judgment about when to act and when to refer up

Have excellent knowledge of adolescent issues especially relating to girls

Have the ability to delegate

Be willing to work flexibly in support of the House Team at all times of the day and night;

Be willing to participate fully in the life of the School with the ability to be flexible about hours,

Understand the importance of their presence in the pupils’ lives;

Be able to present a welcoming, friendly aspect to all visitors to the house;

Be a proactive contributor to the admissions process, engaging positively with prospective pupils and their parents

Have high levels of energy, enthusiasm and reliability;

Possess the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents, other members of the pastoral team, as well as School wide colleagues;

Possess excellent organisational and administrative skills

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

AND APPLICATION

Start date

Flexible start date for the right candidate with preference for commencement in September 2025.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time role, during term-time, and such other hours as are reasonably necessary to meet the needs of the College and the demands of the role.

Salary

Winchester College has its own generous salary scale, which is above the national scale. A competitive salary commensurate with the significance of the post will be offered.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be available with this position.

Length of Appointment

Appointment as a don is on a permanent basis, once the probationary period has passed. The role of Housemistress/Housemaster will be made as an eight year appointment in the first instance, extendable subject to mutual agreement.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application and email a covering letter to recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

Closing date for applications: 18th October 2024

Interviews are expected to be held during mid-November.

Those wishing for an informal conversation about this role are invited to speak to Ali Harber, Deputy Head Pastoral, aeh@wincoll.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Link to full job description and application: https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/5239733V9N