Houseparent

Houseparent (with potential for further responsibility in boarding for the right candidate)

Salary: £27,900 per annum + furnished accommodation
Contract: Permanent, term-time only (with a small amount of admin work during the holidays such as responding to parent emails/ queries and ensuring the boarding house is organised and ready for students returning)
Location: Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham

Elmhurst Ballet School, in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, is a world-renowned centre for the training and education of talented, passionate and committed young ballet dancers. We are looking for a dedicated, compassionate‑ and highly organised Houseparent to join our Pastoral Team. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the wellbeing, development and daily lives of young people living away from home while pursuing elite vocational training.

The Houseparent will lead and manage a Boarding House, supported by a Deputy Houseparent and working under the direction of a member of the pastoral middle leadership‑ team. For the right candidate, there is potential to take on further responsibility within the boarding team as the role develops.

Applicants should have proven leadership skills, excellent organisational abilities and experience of working in a boarding environment. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who remains calm and professional, and who is committed to contributing fully to the life of the school.

This position includes year-round‑ furnished accommodation, offering an immersive role at the heart of our boarding community.

Why Elmhurst?

Elmhurst is a world-leading centre of dance training with a rich heritage, celebrated alumni, and a vibrant, supportive community. Our staff work in beautiful facilities, alongside passionate colleagues, within an environment driven by excellence, creativity and care.

You will be part of a team committed to our ethos:
Live. Dance. Learn.

What We Offer:

• Staff wellbeing at the heart of what we do – a strong focus on care, support, and work-life balance

• 24/7 virtual GP access – quick, convenient health consultations from wherever you are

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour counselling helpline and access to health and medical advice

• Free on-site parking – convenient and secure

• Complimentary lunch – fresh meals in our on-site bistro during working hours (term time)

• Professional development – ongoing support to grow your skills and career

• Coaching and mentoring opportunities – personalised guidance to help you thrive

• Use of on-site gym – available outside of timetabled student sessions

• Free tickets to performances – enjoy dance and theatre productions while chaperoning

• A vibrant student body – enthusiastic, motivated pupils who are eager to learn

• A dedicated, high-performing staff team – collaborative, supportive, and ambitious

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting young people, thrive in a busy and rewarding pastoral environment, and want to be part of our vocational school, we would love to hear from you.

Further information and an applicant pack can be downloaded from the Elmhurst Ballet School website. Interested applicants are encouraged to arrange a visit to the school by emailing jobs@elmhurstdance.co.uk

Please note that all applications must be submitted using the application form below. We do not accept CVs.

Completed applications should be emailed to jobs@elmhurstdance.co.uk or posted to:
Liz Innis, Elmhurst Ballet School, 249 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UH.

Closing Date: Monday 20th April 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 27th April 2026

Please note that interview arrangements will be communicated via email; applicants are advised to check their inbox (including Spam/Junk folders).

Elmhurst Ballet School is committed to equal opportunities and to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and an enhanced DBS check.

At Elmhurst Ballet School, we recruit for attitude and expect all applicants to uphold our ethos of humility and compassion in all that they do.