Graduate Boarding Assistant

ISC group; Cold Ash; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent boarding school in Cold Ash seeks a Graduate Boarding Assistant to join their Lower School House team from September 2026. This role requires a caring and committed individual who will support students’ welfare, organise activities, and assist with daily routines in a residential setting. The ideal candidate must have the right to work in the UK and own transport due to the rural location. The role offers valuable experience in education and comes with generous benefits like free accommodation and meals.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution)

Free staff accommodation provided on site

Delicious free meals

Modern gym and swimming pool facilities

Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover

Regular opportunities for professional development

Supportive induction programme

Beautiful semi-rural working environment

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate interested in supporting student wellbeing.
• Right to work in the UK is mandatory.
• Must have own transport due to rural location.

Responsibilities

• Support the welfare of boarders in the Lower School.
• Organise and deliver extra-curricular activities.
• Assist with morning and bedtime routines.

Skills

Caring and committed attitude

Creative skills

Leadership skills

Job description

Fixed term contract from 1st September 2026 – 31st July 2028. Full time, term time only plus INSET days.

Are you a graduate, with an interest in supporting the wellbeing and development of students?

Are you caring and committed to helping young people achieve their goals in a safe and nurturing environment?

Downe House is seeking a Graduate Boarding Assistant to join our enthusiastic Lower School House team from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to kickstart your career and gain valuable experience of working with students in an educational setting. We are a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women.

You will work as a member of the team in a Lower School boarding house (Years 7 and 8 students), making positive contribution to all areas concerning the welfare of the boarders. As a resident member of staff, you will support the girls at key times during the day, evening and weekends. Your creative and leadership skills will be utilised to organise and deliver a range of extra-curricular activities for the girls, assist with morning and bedtime routines, and help keep your boarding house looking its best at all times.

You will be part of a nurturing and supportive but busy and thriving school, where everyone is encouraged to get fully involved with school life. We have Graduate roles in other departments, so you will not be alone! Please be aware this is a residential post, and the postholder will be expected to live in on-site accommodation sharing facilities with other Graduate Assistants.

Benefits

• Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution)
• Free staff accommodation provided on site
• Delicious free meals and on-site parking
• Modern gym and swimming pool facilities
• Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover
• Regular opportunities for professional development
• Supportive induction programme
• A beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email [e-mail]

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.