Full Time Houseparent

Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual with a passion for supporting young people in a residential setting? We are seeking a full-time Houseparent to join our boarding team and play a key role in the pastoral care and wellbeing of our students to start in August 2025. The role is based in one of our two onsite boarding houses.

Applicants should preferably have a teaching qualification, and previous boarding house experience with ages 12-18 is essential. 

ACS Cobham has a thriving and diverse community with outstanding accommodation and facilities for 200 students aged 12 to 18. Our world-class boarding facilities boast study areas, cinema rooms and landscaped outdoor areas. We offer modern and spacious accommodation, with grade dedicated lounges with games and entertainment zones.

Purpose:

The Houseparent will work with the Lead Houseparent to ensure a consistently high-quality boarding provision for boarding students.

Duties involve the daily registration of boarders, communication with parents and guardians, support with out of hours medical care and ensure Health and Safety procedures are followed, including overnight security of the boarding house. They will have excellent knowledge of Inspection and Compliance for boarding schools.

Working hours/pattern:

On site at ACS Cobham, term time only, 49 hours per week, on a fortnightly rota, working every other weekend (4 days and nights off over the fortnight, and 1 night off every week).

Benefits:

• Working at an international school with diverse and inclusive student and staff bodies
• Free onsite accommodation all year round
• Meals provided during term time.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General Duties

• Support day to day running and organisation of the boarding house
• Develop strong team working within the boarding house to support and maintain high standards across the Boarding House
• Ensure the boarding house is compliant with all health and safety procedures, including being secured and alarmed overnight when on duty
• Reside overnight in the house and be on call for emergency situations.

Remaining duties involve pastoral care and wellbeing of students, academic progress and student enrichment, health and safety and administration and communication plus being on overnight call as and when required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree/Bachelor of Education
• Teaching qualification (PGCE/teaching licence or equivalent) is preferable
• Competent with IT skills
• Experience of dealing with student behaviour including managing the issuing of sanctions (essential)
• Able to demonstrate management of complex stakeholder situations with parents/guardians/agents (essential)
• Experience of managing H&S issues and legislation in relation to a residential establishment
• Strong knowledge of the National Minimum Standards for boarding
• Experience in leading and organising activities
• Experience of working pastorally with students aged 12-19 year, ideally in a boarding setting
• Sound interpersonal and supervisory skills
• Demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct
• Professional level of written and spoken English
• Flexible and imaginative with a well-developed sense of humour
• Ability to use initiative and think flexibly about possible solutions
• Ability to work without supervision.

Safeguarding

ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values. 

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, as an employee of ACS, you are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.