Winchester College - Matron

Summary

Winchester College wishes to appoint a highly dedicated Matron to become an integral part of our thriving boarding house community. This role involves providing outstanding pastoral care and support to the first Sixth Form girls boarding house.

Detail

The Role

Your key responsibilities include:

Pupil Welfare

· Provide day-to-day pastoral care, supporting pupils’ physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

· Administer medication, manage minor illnesses, and liaise with the Health and Wellbeing Centre.

· Support new pupils in settling into boarding life and monitor for homesickness or personal difficulties.

· Communicate with parents on welfare and medical matters, keeping the Housemistress informed.

· Escort pupils to medical appointments and maintain accurate health records.

Meal Times

· Be present at key meals, especially lunch and tea, to engage informally with pupils.

· Monitor pupil attendance at meals and follow up on absences.

· Use mealtimes to observe wellbeing and identify any pastoral concerns.

· Ensure dietary needs are met in collaboration with catering staff.

· Promote a positive and inclusive dining environment.

House Management

· Oversee cleanliness, maintenance, and domestic operations of the house.

· Manage household supplies and coordinate repairs with the Works Department.

· Authorise invoices and maintain budgetary oversight.

· Liaise with the Catering Team and Enterprises for lettings and food provision.

· Organise deep cleaning and upkeep of furnishings and equipment.

Staff Supervision

· Line manage domestic staff and the Relief Matron, including recruitment and appraisals.

· Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and staff handovers are completed.

· Arrange cover for absent staff and maintain staffing levels.

· Monitor performance and escalate concerns to HR and the Housemistress.

· Support staff training and development.

Catering & Laundry

· Work with the Catering Team to ensure food quality and hygiene standards.

· Address special dietary requirements and pupil feedback through regular meetings.

· Supervise laundry services and liaise with the central Laundry Team.

· Maintain high standards in the internal laundry room.

· Ensure pupils have access to clean bedding and personal laundry support.

Health & Safety

· Assist with risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

· Maintain records of staff training and ensure fire safety checks are completed.

· Keep First Aid kits stocked and accessible.

· Support PAT testing and safe use of electrical equipment.

· Record and report accidents or near misses accurately.

Other Duties

· Meet regularly with the Housemistress to discuss pupil and staff matters.

· Support parent engagement and termly house arrangements.

· Attend operational meetings and participate in annual appraisals.

· Maintain professional development through training and collaboration.

· Assist with other duties as reasonably required by the Housemistress.

About You

Experience and skills

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Able to multi-task and be a team-player.
• Proactive and will take initiative to resolve issues.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to duties undertaken.
• Ability to prioritise work effectively and manage a fluctuating workload.

Key Qualities

The successful candidate will be/have:

• Self-motivated, efficient and dedicated, with a positive can-do attitude.
• Commitment to the values of the school.
• A welcoming and friendly demeanour.
• High levels of energy, enthusiasm and reliability.
• Be committed to the safety and welfare of children is essential, as well as equality of opportunity.

What We Offer

Start Date: The appointment will commence in September 2026.

Hours of Work: You will work an average of 48 hours per week (during term time only). The 'core' working hours each day are: 8.00am to 2.00pm, then 6.00pm to 6.45pm and 9.00pm to 10.45pm. One and a half hours are floating hours to be worked if required in the afternoon, particularly to deal with routine medical matters. If these floating hours are not worked, then they can accrue to cover busier days. You are required to work up to three weekdays at both the beginning and end of each of the three school holidays.

Between 2.00pm and 6.00pm the Matron is “on-call” in the event of any emergency and, though not required to be in the house, should be contactable via their school mobile.

It is considered important that the Matron has a break between 7.00pm and 9.00pm each day and they should feel free to use it as leisure time when they are not required in the House.

The Matron is on call overnight, except when on their off-duty time off.

Salary: The annual salary will be £34,794 (gross) per annum depending on the experience of the successful applicant. Salary levels are reviewed on 1 September annually.

Documents

• Matron (St Cross) - JD & Candidate Pack DOCX Document