Head of Boarding

For further information please review the summary below and documents attached to this advert. To apply please use the link to the United Learning Careers website.

Leadership  

• To be accountable for ensuring that the school provides an exceptional boarding programme and pastoral care for each and every student in all matters related to boarding. 
• To play a full role in the life of a busy boarding school, championing the pupils and acting as an advocate for the boarders within the school community. 
• To be accountable for a boarding community that is happy, healthy and vibrant. One where all pupils are able to be happy in their own self, develop and grow as individuals and become ready for their futures. 
• Continue to develop the boarding strategy, structure and capacity both nationally and internationally. 
• To support and advise the Headmaster and SLT with boarding matters, both in terms of long-term strategic development, operationally and the staffing needs of the boarding houses. 
• Be a visible and active presence in the boarding community and houses in order to develop a positive relationship with all boarders and staff. 
• Continue to grow the boarders’ weekend and evening programmes in line with the School’s Future Ready philosophy. 
• Lead the Boarding House Team, line manage the Boarding House team members
• Work alongside the Senior Leadership Team to ensure all aspects of the boarding houses remain compliant with regards to the National Minimum Standards and the School’s Health and Safety policies. 
• As a Safeguarding DDSL, take responsibility for safeguarding matters by ensuring the safety, security, and well-being for all our boarding students is prioritised and protected. 
• To be an active ambassador for boarding within United Learning.

Pastoral and Administrative 

To ensure the effective day-to-day running of the boarding houses:

• Establish, maintain, and publicise the daily routine for the boarding houses. 
• Know the whereabouts of boarders at all times and ensure regulatory checks have been completed for any and all overnight stays.  
• Ensure all Travel Arrangements Forms (TAFs) are produced, circulated and filed each half term, including address of the accommodation, specific logged travel arrangements from school to destinations, and back. 
• Produce and publish the staff rota
• Ensure annual budget requests are completed on time, and that allocated funds are used correctly, and spending is requested and authorised correctly using United Learning systems. 
• Inform and consult with SLT on serious pupil breaches of discipline or good conduct, and maintain a record of behavioral issues using the relevant school systems (e.g., CPOMS). 
• Meet weekly with the pastoral team
• Ensure that all medical matters are dealt with promptly and appropriately, in line with the school’s medical policy and procedures, liaising with medical staff, PE Department, and the pupil, parents and guardians, as appropriate. All records to be logged in the medical diary on iSAMS. 
• Be available should an emergency situation arise (during term time). 
• Ensure that all appropriate registration/attendance/absence records are kept for all boarders, including signing in/out records, so that the school knows and is satisfied with the arrangements in place for the whereabouts of boarders during weekends. 
• Produce, maintain, and update all boarding risk assessments to ensure the safety, welfare, and security of boarders. 
• Liaise with the Bursar and Facilities Manager to ensure the houses remain safe, compliant and in good condition. 

Marketing and Admissions 

• Work alongside the Marketing department
• Keep parents and the school community informed of life in the boarding house
• Work with the Admissions and Marketing departments to develop positive relationships with agents. 
• Meet all guardians (either online or in person) termly, on a rotational basis. 
• Represent the school and be prepared to speak at marketing events both nationally and internationally. 
• Have a working knowledge of the Child Student Visa process and liaise and support the school’s Visa Administrator to ensure all requirements are met. 

 General 

• Be familiar with, and have a detailed working knowledge of, all relevant legislation including, but not limited to, The Children’s Act, Protection of Children Act, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), The Human Rights Act, Health & Safety at Work and other relevant legislation that ensures the safety and the rights of boarders in our care. 
• (in conjunction with the boarding team) organise, develop and participate in a programme of exciting and rewarding activities, trips, social events, as well as activities weekends, which play a key role in ensuring the pupils are at the centre of a very special boarding experience. 
• Be responsible for producing and developing an annual review of boarding, ensuring the previous year has been fully evaluated, and any changes and updates to provision/procedures are communicated to all necessary stakeholders; this may also include boarding staff, boarders and teaching staff. 
• Carry out fire evacuation practices in boarding

Please note that if a candidate wishes to be part of the teaching staff, further details of teaching requirements will be added, as relevant, to the job description on appointment.

The Royal School is a small, independent, co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 9 – 18. The school is academically ambitious for all its pupils and the size of the school ensures that every member of staff knows and cares for every pupil. The focus is on the whole child, seeking to develop their talents and sparking their intellectual curiosity. Our Future Ready philosophy for education aims to ensure pupils leave us prepared for life.

It is testament to our staff team and focus on finding the best in everyone that in 2022 The Royal School was shortlisted in the prestigious TES Schools Awards as Best Boarding School of the year and been nominated as a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Award.

The school is part of United Learning which brings with it numerous opportunities for professional development, to share ideas and best practice, amongst our supportive network of 7,000 colleagues.

We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn without notice. Applications will only be considered if submitted online and before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All Applicants will be required to complete the United Learning online application form and a link is provided on this advert.

The Royal School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all who work at the School to share this commitment.  Successful applicants will be subject to child protection screening appropriate to the post including an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and checks with previous employers and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

United Learning is a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life changing education to children and young people across England.