St John's School, Sidmouth - Head of Boarding

Summary

Lead and manage the Boarding provision, ensuring a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for pupils aged 11–16, promoting a strong sense of community, uphold the ethos of St John’s, ensure compliance with safeguarding and regulatory requirements

Detail

Job Title: Head of Boarding

Reporting to: The Head of School

Hours: Full-time, residential role

Typically 4–5 nights per week and alternate weekends (flexibility required)

Start Date: 1 September 2026

Alongside the Head of Boarding position, we currently have two teaching vacancies within the school: PE & Games (including GCSE PE) and Senior School (GCSE) English. While we welcome applications from dedicated pastoral specialists, it would be a distinct advantage for a candidate to possess the qualifications and experience to undertake one of these teaching roles in addition to their boarding responsibilities. We encourage applicants to specify their teaching subjects and experience within their application.

Salary: Competitive package to include: Aviva pension, discount on school fees (subject to terms), Employee Assistance Programme, staff well-being initiatives, free lunch, refreshments, and on-site parking

Accommodation: 2-bedroom flat with this own bathroom, kitchen, utility and private entrance

Job Description

To lead and manage the Boarding provision, ensuring a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for pupils aged 11–16. The Head of Boarding will promote a strong sense of community, uphold the ethos of St John’s, and ensure full compliance with safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Pastoral Care & Student Welfare
• Create a warm, inclusive and structured boarding environment
• Safeguard and promote the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of all boarders
• Support students adjusting to life away from home, particularly international pupils
• Monitor student welfare, behaviour, and personal development
• Write end-of-term boarding reports

Safeguarding & Compliance

Act as DDSL (Boarding) and attend safeguarding meetings

Ensure compliance with:

• National Minimum Standards for Boarding
• KCSIE
• Health & Safety and school policies
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including NMS documentation
• Oversee fire safety and emergency procedures, including night-time evacuation

Leadership & Management

• Lead, support and coordinate the boarding team
• Produce and manage staff duty rotas
• Promote a positive, professional and collaborative team culture

Boarding Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Boarding House
• Ensure the safety and security of all boarding facilities
• Manage student induction and transitions into boarding
• Liaise with maintenance and wider school teams

Activities & Student Experience

• Plan and deliver a varied programme of evening and weekend activities
• Ensure all activities are appropriately risk assessed
• Promote student engagement, independence and cultural integration

Communication & Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians
• Liaise with Admissions, Transport and international agents
• Build strong relationships with overseas partners and families

Administration & Development

• Maintain boarding data and statistics for reporting and planning
• Support the promotion and development of the boarding provision
• Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting

Additional Duties

• Administer first aid and medication when required
• Transport students when necessary (e.g. medical appointments)
• Attend school events, including parents’ evenings
• Play a full and active role in school life

Safeguarding Statement

St John’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent)
• Experience working with young people
• Ability to communicate confidently and manage challenging situations
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload
• Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records
• Willingness to undertake relevant training

Desirable

• First Aid qualification
• Experience in a boarding environment
• Experience working with international students / EAL learners
• Pool lifeguard qualification
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Awareness of safeguarding procedures and KCSIE
• Understanding of Health & Safety requirements
• Awareness of confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Knowledge of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding
• Desirable
• Understanding of ISI requirements, particularly in relation to boarding

Skills

Essential

• Ability to establish firm, fair and consistent boundaries
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Desirable
• Experience of leading or managing a team
• Ability to contribute to wider school life (e.g. co-curricular activities)

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Warm, approachable and professional manner
• Positive, “can do” attitude
• Strong sense of humour and resilience
• Ability to lead by example
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and duties
• Self-motivated and proactive
• High level of integrity and discretion
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with children and young people

Documents

• Application Form Self Declaration PDF Document
• Application form - Teaching PDF Document
• Head of Boarding March 2026 PDF Document