Houseparent/Boarding Staff

The Boarding Staff are responsible to the Headmaster and Boarding Coordinator for the wellbeing, safety and pastoral care of all boarding pupils. They play a central role in creating a warm, welcoming and structured boarding environment in which pupils can enjoy and flourish during their weekly, flexi or weekend boarding experience.

The role is fully integrated into the wider life of the School. In addition to boarding responsibilities, Houseparents are required to undertake defined daytime duties, contributing actively to another area of school life. Experience shows that those who thrive and remain long‑term in post are individuals who bring a genuine skill or interest that supports a school department and enjoy being fully immersed in the boarding and day school community.

Daytime duties will be agreed in line with the experience, skills and interests of the successful candidate and may include involvement in areas such as learning support, sports coaching, nursery or early years provision, pastoral support or co‑curricular activities.

This role requires a strong understanding of children, a high degree of patience, tolerance and emotional maturity, and a commitment to operating in accordance with the School’s policies, safeguarding procedures and pastoral expectations.

Ideal candidates will:

• Have a high level of emotional intelligence and remain calm, measured and supportive under pressure
• Bring a dynamic, positive and organised approach to life in the boarding house at Cargilfield
• Be willing and enthusiastic contributors to the wider life of this busy and vibrant prep school
• Be able to undertake a mandatory daytime role and bring skills, experience or genuine interests that complement one or more areas of school life
• Be ready to work hard and flexibly to support the pupils in their care
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with children, parents and colleagues, both orally and in writing
• Be strong team players who can work collaboratively within boarding and across the wider school staff

Remuneration package includes:

• A comfortable apartment within the School, provided rent‑free with utilities covered
• Pension
• Generous holiday allowance during Christmas, Easter and summer school holidays
• School meals throughout the year when the School’s kitchens are open