Housemaster

The Boarding Schools' Association; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious boarding school near Henley-on-Thames is seeking a vibrant Housemaster/Housemistress for its boys’ boarding house. This full-time permanent role involves ensuring the welfare and pastoral care of students in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to student wellbeing, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Competitive salary, accommodation, meals, and benefits are provided. Early applications are encouraged, as the role may be filled before the closing date.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for young people's wellbeing and development.
• Experience in pastoral care or education settings.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safety, welfare, and pastoral care of boarders.
• Work closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and pastoral team.
• Create a warm, supportive home-from-home environment.

Skills

Warmth and empathy

Strong communication skills

Organised and reliable

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities

Job description

Closing Date: 29 January 2026
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Salary: Competitive (includes accommodation, meals, and benefits)
Employment Term: Full Time Permanent

We are seeking a vibrant, caring and dedicated Housemaster/Housemistress to join our boys’ boarding house for full, weekly, part- and flexi-boarders starting in September 2026. The House is currently for Years 9-11, extending to include Years 7 and 8 from 2027, with the possibility of some Sixth Form boarding provision as well. Applications are welcome from teaching and non-teaching candidates.

You will be responsible for the safety, welfare and pastoral care of boarders, working closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and the wider pastoral team to ensure the highest standards of care. Together with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, House Pastoral Leader and a dedicated team of tutors and you will create a warm, supportive home-from-home environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and personally. You will build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them develop self-reliance, confidence and resilience whilst providing the guidance and support they need during their time at Shiplake College.

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for young people’s wellbeing and development, with the warmth, empathy and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff. You’ll be organised, reliable and calm under pressure, able to manage multiple responsibilities and respond effectively to the varied demands of boarding life. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to always maintain appropriate boundaries and professional standards.

The successful candidate will be flexible, enthusiastic and proactive, with the resilience and sense of humour needed to thrive in a busy boarding environment. You’ll share our values and ethos and be committed to providing an outstanding boarding experience for every pupil in your care.

Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co-educational. Situated in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.

We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment.

Early applications are encouraged for this role. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.

Closing date: Thursday 29 January 2026

Interviews will be held the following week commencing 2 February 2026.

Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.