Residential Head of 'The Six' (Sixth Form) Boarding

Summary

We are looking to appoint a Residential Head of 'The Six' (Sixth Form) Boarding to join St Catherine's from September 2026.

Detail

St Catherine’s School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Residential Head of 'The Six' (Sixth Form) to lead the residential and pastoral life of our vibrant Sixth Form community from 1st September 2026. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the experience of young people at a pivotal stage in their development, guiding them as they grow into independence, leadership, and purpose.

The Residential Head of 'The Six (Sixth Form) holds a central leadership position within the School, responsible for the full residential, pastoral, and personal development experience of students in our Sixth Form. With warmth, presence and excellent judgement, you will cultivate an environment where girls feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

Working closely with senior leaders and pastoral teams, you will ensure that life in 'The Six' reflects St Catherine’s values and complements the School’s Sixth Form strategy. You will be a visible and influential figure in the daily life of the community, playing a key part in safeguarding, relationship-building, and fostering a purposeful, engaging residential culture.

As Residential Head of 'The Six' (Sixth Form) Boarding, the successful applicant will report to the Deputy Head (Culture, Community and Boarding) and Deputy Head (Sixth and Beyond) and will line manage the Assistant Housemistress, Houseparent and Tutors.

High-quality on-site residential accommodation will be provided.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Stategic Leadership of Residential Life

• Shape and deliver the vision for an enriching residential Sixth Form experience
• Promote a culture of independence, maturity, wellbeing and responsibility
• Align residential provision with the academic and pastoral aims of the Sixth Form
• Model and embed current best practice from leading Sixth Form boarding environments

Pastoral Care & Safeguarding

• Hold overall pastoral responsibility for Sixth Form boarders
• Maintain high safeguarding standards in partnership with the DSL/DDSL
• Oversee wellbeing programmes and early-intervention support
• Build a culture of respect, positive behaviour and care within the house
• Tutor a group of Sixth Form students

Oversight of Boarding Operations

• Lead the day-to-day running of the Sixth Form (boarding house (es)
• Manage Tutors, Houseparent, Assistants, and evening/weekend staff
• Oversee routines, leave processes, roll calls and administration
• Maintain a regular presence during evenings and alternate weekends

Academic & Personal Development Support

• Ensure the boarding environment supports high academic standards
• Coordinate informal study support and promote effective study habits
• Guide pupils in organisation, life skills and preparation for future pathways
• Encourage leadership and pupil-led initiatives

Community Building & Enrichment

• Create a vibrant evening and weekend activities programme
• Organise events, workshops and cultural experiences
• Promote positive relationships, collaboration and house identity
• Celebrate individual and collective achievements within 'The Six'

Parent & Staff Partnerships

• Act as a key contract for parents, ensuring clarity, trust and responsiveness
• Work collaboratively with Tutors, academic staff, the Health Centre and pastoral teams
• Support admissions, marketing and recruitment activities for 'The Six'

Leadership of the Residential Team

• Recruit, inspire and manage the residential team
• Ensure regular training in safeguarding, mental health, and boarding best practice
• Lead performance reviews and foster a cohesive, professional team culture

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong pastoral leadership experience, ideally in boarding
• Commitment to the safeguarding, wellbeing and development of young people
• Ability to motivate, support and hold colleagues accountable
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• Warm, approachable, resilient and discreet
• Ability to work evenings and alternate weekends as part of a residential rota
• Knowledge of current boarding regulations and best practice
• Understanding of university preparation and post-school pathways

Desirable

• Experience in Sixth Form pastoral care or post-16 education
• Experience coordinating enrichment programmes

St Catherine’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance.

Documents

• Residential Head of the Six (Sixth Form) Boarding Job Description - Mar 26 PDF Document