Job Description

Tring Park is one of the country's leading vocational and academic schools, situated in glorious Hertfordshire countryside, under an hour from London. The School has 350 boarding and day pupils, aged 7 to 19.

Tring Park offers a wide range of benefits including a pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free school lunches during term time, an employee assistance programme, free onsite parking and enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.

We are looking to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic Houseparent to work as part of our boarding team, starting Spring 2026 (start date flexible). The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and an understanding of the needs of children in a boarding environment. The position is full time, term time only, with 2 days off per week.

Main duties

Boarding House:

Share responsibility with the other houseparents for the efficient day-to-day running of all aspects of the boarding houses in consultation with the Deputy Principal.

Medical:

Liaise with the school's medical staff to ensure the correct care and welfare of the pupils. Basic first aid training is provided unless a qualification is already held.

Pastoral Care:

The care of the individual pupil: sympathetic, caring, responsible and patient understanding of the age group.

House staff:

The HPs are an integral team who work collaboratively, akin to a job share, in leading, supervising and motivating a cohesive and harmonious team of house staff, ensuring that all duties are completed appropriately and delegated fairly to the whole team. Between them, the HPs appraise the other house staff members, as agreed with the Deputy Principal, and manage day-to-day staff issues such as absence, wellbeing and performance with the support of the Deputy Principal and HR, and in line with School policies and procedures.

Duties and Presence:

Create and maintain a welcoming, tidy and homely atmosphere. Monitor behaviour and deal appropriately with any disciplinary issues. Uphold standards of dress, general appearance and personal hygiene. Ensure that there is an appropriate working atmosphere during prep. Maintain an orderly bedtime routine. Ensure the pupils are up in time for breakfast, registered and ready for the school day. Deal with emergencies of any kind, including escorting pupils to medical appointments where required. Oversee the completion of pastoral reports. Maintain pastoral records of pupils and other relevant administrative house tasks. Be 'ever present' and a visible presence by regularly moving about all areas of the house and ensuring that all the house staff regularly do so. Be available to the pupils in the house for both formal and informal contact, maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times. Oversee regular in-house activities. Sleep in the house on all duty nights. The HP has two weekdays off per week and may stay away overnight on days off, subject to adequate staffing. Cover additional duties as required such as the supervision of meals, prep, extra--curricular activities and special occasions, maintaining punctuality.

Parents:

Maintain regular contact and foster good relationships with parents, with the support of the Deputy Principal.

Health and Safety:

Share responsibility for all aspects as directly related to the boarding house, including assisting with the completion of annual risk assessments.

Extraneous Duties

The undertaking of any reasonable additional duties at the request of the Deputy Principal or Principal.

Other Requirements

Full, clean driving licence

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

Experience of working with children and an understanding of the needs of children in a boarding environment. Clear commitment to implementing whole school/staff policies relating to the safeguarding of children A sound understanding of child protection and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. Proven strong communication skills with both adults and young people. A high degree of confidentiality and punctuality. Genuine enthusiasm and the ability to work well within a wider team, maintaining effective working relationships. An ability to act as a manager as well as work collaboratively with a team and support other managers. Good organisational and problem solving skills. An ability to remain calm under pressure. High levels of motivation, patience, diplomacy and creativity. A sense of humour.

DESIRABLE

Previous experience in other boarding or residential environments working with young people. First Aid qualification. A BSA qualification or an interest in obtaining one. Full clean driver's licence and the ability to drive a minibus or the willingness to learn.

Additional Information

Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.

Tring Park School aims to create an inclusive culture that encourages and values diversity within its workforce, building on the differences individuals bring, enabling the School's ongoing success. We seek to embrace diversity drawing on a wide range of views and experiences to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation.

Please note:

for information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Staff Privacy Notice on the School website.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 29,429.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person