Director of Pastoral Care

We have an exciting opportunity for an energetic and motivational individual to lead the pastoral team in across our five boarding houses covering 11-18 year olds.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership team, who aspires to progress at Downside, you will have strong leadership skills and a willingness to work collaboratively with the wider School community. You will have overall responsibility of all boarding Houses, supported by House Masters and Mistresses, Tutors, House Parents and the Chaplaincy Team.

The Director of Pastoral Care has a vital role to play in leadership of pupils health, academic study and social and pastoral welfare and overall School compliance to the National Minimum Standards of Boarding Principles.

This post is residential full-time and will have a reduced teaching timetable in line with the responsibilities of the role. Applicants from all subject disciplines are encouraged to apply and a contribution to the academic and co-curricular life of the school is essential. It is essential that the appointed person has a clear understanding of the pastoral care provision required in a boarding environment and will be able to lead and implement this working in partnership with their dedicated house teams. Flexibility, resilience and commitment to a residential boarding post are key attributes needed.

The Director of Pastoral Care will be ready to embody and model the Benedictine values and Catholic ethos of Downside and to provide spiritual leadership to the School community. In return, you can expect a generous salary and benefits package and residential accommodation is provided. Downside will be committed to supporting the successful candidate with CPD to allow opportunities for career progression.

Working at Downside is a truly rewarding experience. In keeping with our Benedictine ethos, we are a welcoming, caring community where each person is considered to be a valued member. Pupils are highly motivated, keen to learn and respectful of staff and their peers.

We are looking for someone who is able:

• To lead and manage the day-to-day and strategic running of the boarding Houses.
• To ensure that the Houses are responsive to and meets the needs of the pupils in it.
• To provide a high level of management to pastoral care and support to pupils.
• To ensure effective communication with pupils, their parents, the HsMs, the Head, the Bursar, the Deputy Heads, and other staff as appropriate.
• To manage, in the absence of the HsM, the other members of the House staff team.

Key Requirements:

• An understanding and appreciation of the ethos of a Catholic and Benedictine boarding school.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional and reliable.
• Previous pastoral experience is essential.

Additional Expectations:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Undertake training as required and adapt to changing needs.
• Conduct duties with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.

We can offer:

• A competitive pay scale and pension scheme.
• Onsite accommodation.
• An excellent catering facility, which offers all our staff a complimentary lunch.
• A free employee assistance programme.
• A supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
• An inspiring, intellectually rewarding work environment.
• Pupils with highly developed social skills and self-confidence.
• Plenty of opportunities for CPD, and pastoral and wider-curricular involvement.
• Complimentary access to onsite leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.

To Apply:

For further information please visit our website at Working at Downside – Downside School where you can download full details of the role.

Application closing date is Friday 27th February 2026 at midday.

Please complete your application through our applicant tracking system, using the apply button. CVs are not accepted. Applications must be completed in full to include full employment history, education history and contact details for referees for current and most recent employer.

Interviews are anticipated to take place the week commencing 16th March 2026.

Downside School reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date. An early application is recommended.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Downside is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, and one of England’s oldest and most distinguished Catholic schools. The School is situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills, twelve miles south of the city of Bath. Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be DBS checked. We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. Registered Company No. 11751009 and Registered Charity No: 1184700