Shiplake College - House Pastoral Leader

Summary

Shiplake College is looking for an organised, empathetic and resourceful House Pastoral Leader to join their pastoral team two days per week (Mondays and Tuesdays) during the term-time plus two INSET days per year.

Detail

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about young people's wellbeing to make a real difference as a vital member of the Shiplake College community. Working in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre with Year 12 and Year 13 pupils, and led by the Housemaster/Housemistress, you will uphold the highest standards of care and support for our Sixth Form pupils as they navigate their studies and prepare for the next stage of their lives after Shiplake College.

The House Pastoral Leader position forms an integral part of the wider pastoral team within the House, led by the Housemaster/Housemistress and supported by the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, tutors and domestic staff. You will need to be a strong team player who works collaboratively with colleagues and communicates effectively. You will be a good listener—reliable, warm and approachable—with the sensitivity to use tact and diplomacy when required.

A flexible approach, a good sense of humour, and an even temper are essential, as is the ability to handle all situations in a co-operative and sensitive manner. Confidentiality and integrity are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a term-time only role working 2 days a week (Mondays & Tuesdays) from 7.30am to 5pm, plus INSET of 2 days per annum, to start as soon as possible. There may be scope to review or adjust these working days for the new academic year beginning in September 2026. There is an additional 4 weeks work available as paid overtime.

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.

Please visit our website to learn more about the College, our community and our values.

Closing Date: 10am Monday 9 February 2026 with interviews to be held the same week.

A candidate pack and application form can be obtained from

https://www.shiplake.org.uk/about-shiplake/job-vacancies

Co-educational day and boarding school for ages 11-18

HMC, The Society of Heads, BSA

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.