Winchester College - Housemaster

Summary

Winchester College is seeking an exceptional and dedicated Housemaster to lead one of its twelve boarding houses. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the school, responsible for the well-being and development of 70 pupils aged 13 to 18. Each house provides a studious and nurturing home where talented pupils, many of whom receive substantial bursaries, are encouraged to thrive academically and personally. The Housemaster plays a crucial part in maintaining a positive, supportive, and inclusive community, ensuring every pupil can reach their full potential.

Detail

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Pastoral Care, you will be responsible for the overall academic and personal development of every pupil in your house. You will act as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians, leading a team of dedicated staff including an Assistant Housemaster, Matron, and House Tutors. This role requires significant pastoral commitment and the ability to balance the needs of the individual with the collective well-being of the house community.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Pastoral Leadership: Establishing a welcoming, cohesive, and supportive culture within the house. This includes overseeing the welfare and progress of each pupil and providing guidance on their academic and personal development.
• Community Building: Fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support, ensuring pupils contribute positively to the house and wider school. This involves balancing individual needs with the greater good of the house.
• Communication and Reporting: Serving as the main point of contact for parents, guardians, and colleagues. You will maintain efficient and timely communication, keeping the Headmaster, Second Master, and Director of Pastoral Care informed of all key issues.
• Team Leadership and Management: Leading and delegating to your house team, including the Assistant Housemaster, Matron, and Tutors. You will also manage the house budget and oversee the general upkeep and safety of the house facilities.
• Admissions and Compliance: Working with the Admissions team to recruit high-potential pupils, including attending open days and conducting interviews. You will also ensure all safeguarding and compliance policies, including the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (NMS), are followed and documented.

About You

We are looking for a calm, patient, and highly organized individual who is passionate about the well-being and education of young people. You should possess excellent interpersonal skills, a strong sense of judgment, and the ability to handle crises under pressure. This role requires a flexible approach and a full commitment to the school’s full-boarding ethos.

Essential Skills & Qualities:

• Excellent academic qualifications.
• A demonstrable enjoyment of young people’s company and a commitment to their well-being.
• A calm and patient demeanour, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent knowledge of current safeguarding practices and adolescent issues.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively delegate to a team.
• The willingness to reside in the boarding house during term-time and work flexibly to support the house team at all times.
• High levels of energy, enthusiasm, and reliability.
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.

Desirable Skills:

• A proactive approach to the admissions process.
• Experience in a similar boarding school or pastoral role.

What We Offer

• Start Date: September 2026.
• 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.
• 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.

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: Midnight Tuesday 14 October 2025

For the full job description and to apply please see here

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

Documents

• Housemaster JD 2025 (Sept 2025) PDF Document