Start Date: August 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for two energetic and motivational individuals to lead the pastoral team in two of our boarding houses.

Caverel is a girls house covering first to sixth forms (equivalent to Years 7 - 13). Caverel House is named after Abbot Philip de Caverel. Born in 1555, he became Abbot of St Vedasts at Arras in Normandy and later provided the monastic community with its first home at Douai..

Barlow is a boys house covering third to sixth form (equivalent to Years 9 -13). Barlow is named after St Ambrose Barlow, a monk of the community of St Gregory the Great, who was martyred in 1641.

You will have strong leadership skills and a willingness to work collaboratively with the wider pastoral team.

You will have overall responsibility for the House, supported by an Assistant HsM, a team of Tutors, House Parents and the Chaplaincy Team. The HsM has a vital role to play in pupils health, academic study and social and pastoral welfare.

This post would suit either a Teacher, or a Support staff member with a strong pastoral background. This post is full-time and, if applicable, will have a reduced teaching timetable in line with the responsibilities of the role. Teaching applicants from all subject disciplines are encouraged to apply and a contribution to the academic and co-curricular life of the school is essential.

It is essential that the appointed person has a clear understanding of the pastoral care provision required in a boarding environment and will be able to lead and implement this working in partnership with their dedicated house team. Flexibility, resilience and commitment to a residential boarding post are key attributes needed.

In return, you can expect a generous salary and benefits package and residential accommodation is provided. Working at Downside is a truly rewarding experience. In keeping with our Benedictine ethos, Downside School is a welcoming, caring community where each person is considered to be a valued member. Pupils are highly motivated, keen to learn and respectful of staff and their peers.

We are looking for someone who is able:

• To lead and manage the day-to-day running of the boarding House.
• To effectively manage a team of House staff and tutors.
• To ensure that the House is responsive to and meets the needs of the pupils in it.
• To provide a high level of pastoral care and support to pupils.
• To ensure effective communication with pupils, their parents and guardians, tutors, the Director of Pastoral Care, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Bursar, the Deputy Heads, the Head, and other staff as appropriate.
• To be promote pupil wellbeing and prioritise safeguarding

Key Requirements:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional and reliable.
• Previous pastoral experience is essential.

Additional Expectations:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Undertake training as required and adapt to changing needs.
• Conduct duties with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.

We can offer:

• a competitive pay scale.
• residential accommodation
• an excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
• a free employee assistance programme.
• a supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
• an inspiring, intellectually rewarding work environment.
• pupils with highly developed social skills and self-confidence.
• plenty of opportunities for CPD, and pastoral and wider-curricular involvement.
• complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.

To Apply

Applications must be completed in full to include full employment history, education history and contact details for referees for current and most recent employer.

About Downside School

Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside just 25 minutes from Bath, Downside School is a historic Catholic independent school founded in 1606. Our Benedictine ethos fosters integrity, independent thinking, and service, creating a happy, inspiring environment where pupils thrive academically and through over 70 co-curricular activities. With facilities like a 400-seat theatre, indoor pool, and 24/7 Health Centre, we nurture motivated learners in a supportive community praised by the ISI for excellent staff-pupil relationships.

By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700