House Matron (Day)

A full-time day matron is required for the Girls’ boarding house.

Sutton House is home to up to 40 girls from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. The age range is 11–18, with the mix of ages and cultures creating a genuinely interesting and inspiring place to live. There is a team of dedicated staff who really have the girls’ best interests in mind, whilst ensuring continual pastoral care of the highest standard. These comprise the Housemistress and a Resident Tutor who live in accommodation within the boarding house, with three out-tutors. The day matron is usually the first point of contact during the School day.

Each year a Head of House is appointed and, with a team of House Prefects from our Upper Sixth girls, helps run the house. They assist with prep times and bed times etc. as well as being a great help to the duty staff. It is also an opportunity for them to take on greater responsibility and encourages leadership skills.

The day-matron post would be ideal for someone who loves working with and caring for children, who would like to be part of a friendly community and who is able to help maintain good order and a happy, calm atmosphere. The post holder will need to be able to relate to children and work as part of a team. A sense of humour and an even temper dealing with all situations in a co-operative and sensitive manner are also fundamental to carrying out this job effectively as is the ability to communicate effectively at all levels. Being a matron is all about good pastoral care, being a good listener and taking a great interest in the children and their needs. The nature of the work requires physical fitness, a good level of stamina and the ability to handle laundry and climb a large number of stairs.

There is a requirement for all weeks during term time which is usually 34 weeks. The hours during term time are 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday plus 8.00am - 12.15pm on Saturdays (apart from the last Saturday of each half term and Exeat weekends). During School holiday periods, the Matron will work a full week prior to the start of the autumn term, at the start and end of every term and of any lettings during the School holidays as required; this is not likely to exceed fifteen days in any one academic year. The salary is circa £22,173 per annum. The annual holiday entitlement is four weeks plus public holidays, to be taken outside term time.

The post does not include any accommodation.

Sutton Valence School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school, educating more than 810 pupils aged 2–18 years.

Set in the heart of Kent, we boast beautiful surroundings that have been inspiring pupils since 1576. We enjoy an excellent reputation for providing a truly holistic education for our pupils, reflecting our Christian ethos.

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In return, you'll enjoy:  

• Beneden healthcare membership  
• Fitness facilities  
• Fee remission  
• Free school meals

Closing date: Friday 3rd February 2023

We welcome early applications, and we may interview candidates and appoint before the closing date.

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), and a declaration of medical fitness. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School’s Child Protection policy may be found on the School’s website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview.

Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.