Housemaster

ISC group; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent boarding school near Henley-on-Thames is seeking a dedicated Housemaster/Housemistress for its boys' boarding house. The role encompasses ensuring the safety and welfare of students while fostering a supportive environment. Candidates must demonstrate a genuine passion for student wellbeing, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks calmly. Competitive salary, free lunches, and a contributory pension scheme are offered. Early applications are encouraged as positions may be filled prior to the closing date of January 29, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free lunches

Contributory pension scheme

Access to gym and sporting facilities

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for young people's wellbeing and development.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a boarding environment.
• Professional standards and appropriate boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, welfare, and pastoral care of boarders.
• Work closely with the pastoral team to maintain high care standards.
• Build strong relationships with pupils to promote their development.

Skills

Empathy

Organizational skills

Strong communication

Reliability

Flexibility

Interpersonal skills

Job description

We are seeking a vibrant, caring and dedicated Housemaster/Housemistress to join our boys’ boarding house for full, weekly, part- and flexi-boarders. The House is currently for Years 9-11, extending to include Years 7 and 8 from 2027, with the possibility of some Sixth Form boarding provision as well. Applications are welcome from teaching and non-teaching candidates.

You will be responsible for the safety, welfare and pastoral care of boarders, working closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and the wider pastoral team to ensure the highest standards of care. Together with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, House Pastoral Leader and a dedicated team of tutors and you will create a warm, supportive home-from-home environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and personally. You will build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them develop self-reliance, confidence and resilience whilst providing the guidance and support they need during their time at Shiplake College.

We're looking for someone with a genuine passion for young people's wellbeing and development, with the warmth, empathy and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff. You'll be organised, reliable and calm under pressure, able to manage multiple responsibilities and respond effectively to the varied demands of boarding life. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to always maintain appropriate boundaries and professional standards.

The successful candidate will be flexible, enthusiastic and proactive, with the resilience and sense of humour needed to thrive in a busy boarding environment. You'll share our values and ethos and be committed to providing an outstanding boarding experience for every pupil in your care.

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.

Early applications are encouraged for this role. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.

Closing date: Thursday 29 January 2026

Interviews will be held the following week commencing 2 February 2026.

A candidate pack together with an application form are available from

www.shiplake.org.uk/vacancies

Day and boarding school for ages 11-18, fully co-educational from 2023

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.