Housemaster (Resident)

Canford is ‘_a school _**_community_**_ where all are inspired to _*_explore_**_, empowered to _**_express_**_ and challenged to _**_excel’_**.**
**This vision is not just a form of words. It underpins how we live and work together, how we seek to educate and support our pupils and how we develop our staff who commit so much of themselves to those young people in our care. As a community we bring a sense of purposeful engagement and a courageous attitude to the challenges and opportunities which life brings; we aim high but pursue our goals with humble ambition and we strive to make a real and positive difference to our world through gracious leadership.**
Currently ranked among the top co-educational boarding schools in the country, Canford has a fine academic reputation, and the 250-acre site just outside Wimborne in Dorset offers an inspirational working environment where pupils are committed and willing to learn.
With effect from September 2023 we are looking to appoint a well qualified, inspirational teacher with a passion for promoting excellence in pastoral care and the capacity to motivate and lead both pupils working and living in Monteacute, one of our four boys’ boarding houses, as well as managing and developing the dedicated house staff team.

**Broader school life**
All members of staff are encouraged to play a full part in the co-curricular activities of the school, whether in sport, theatre, music, or art. The pastoral side of the school is very strong, and over half the staff are involved in some way with house duties.
**Applications**
FURTHER DETAILS AND There are seven boarding houses in total (four boys’ and three girls’) and three day houses. Each house has approximately 60 pupils starting from the Shells through to Upper Sixth. The Housemaster/mistress (HsM) in charge of each house is the key pastoral figure in a pupil’s life. Being ‘in loco parentis’, s/he has the overall responsibility for the welfare and progress of all the pupils in the house and for communications between parents and the School. The HsM should be a frequent and visible presence in house, whether formally “on duty”, or at other times. Presence at house roll calls as often as possible is an important part of each day.
Given the nature of the role and life in a boarding school, situations will arise when a HsM will need to be available at short notice (even when off duty in the event of an emergency). HSMs are expected to be available during the GCSE results’ and A level results’ period.
Each HsM has a team of four tutors (one of whom is residential in boarding houses), together with one or more matrons. S/he will need to liaise closely with bursarial departments. Their primary aim is to ensure the safety, support and pastoral well-being of all pupils in their charge, whilst providing a positive and fulfilling residential experience. S/he will seek to encourage and inspire the members of the house, not only to achieve excellence in academic and co-curricular activities, but also to develop their social skills by living harmoniously with others. In short s/he will help pupils to grow into confident, mature, civilised and successful young people.
HsMs should aim to establish a firm, fair and friendly atmosphere in house. It is important to build as good relationships as possible with all pupils, by supporting in general, and by encouraging the best in each individual. Communications between all house staff and pupils should be good, and reasons for policy clearly explained. The intention is that the ethos in house will produce pupils who work hard towards exams to the limit of their ability, who become involved in school activities such as games, music, drama or any other worthy group, and who learn to live with others and become respected, well-motivated members of the house.
Each HsM has commitments to both academic and co-curricular programmes as required.
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
**Pastoral Support**
- See that any requirements of the Children Act are adhered to: particularly promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all pupils for whom s/he is responsible or with whom s/he comes into contact; ensuring compliance with the school’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times; and reporting any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Headmaster.
- Foster as good links as possible with the parents by way of welcome, regular information about their children, alerting them whenever a significant problem appears, hosting receptions during the year and promoting opportunities which will build a strong house community for all families. HsMs should be available for consultation with parents at other times to deal with problems arising at school or at home.
- Welcome all new members of the community and see that they are properly inducted into the house and school.
- Have an overview of the academic progress of pupils in their House, liaising with the pupil’s tutor as app