Housemistress

Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience

Closing date:  Wednesday 4th February, midday

Interviews:  To be held Tuesday 10th February 2026

Start Date:  September 2026

Founded in 1802 and set in a beautiful Yorkshire valley, Ampleforth College is the world’s foremost Catholic boarding school, welcoming girls and boys of all faiths aged 11-18. Each student’s unique talents are recognised and nurtured within a welcoming community rooted in Benedictine values. At its foundation, the basic mission of a Catholic School is to invite young people into a transforming encounter with Christ through the life of the Christian Community.  This gift is realised in Catholic Education as a place where children grow in:

• self-knowledge

• self-acceptance

• self-gift

We seek to appoint a practising Roman Catholic to start in September 2026 as Housemistress in St Bede’s Boarding House. The Housemistress represents academic and pastoral support for all students within the House and is responsible for all aspects of safety, welfare and formation of the students in their care. This is a demanding and immensely rewarding role where no two days are ever the same. This is a residential role.

On arrival at Ampleforth College, all pupils join a House, which will become a central focus and their home during their time here. St Bede’s Boarding House is made up of dormitories of four for Year 9, followed by twin en-suite rooms in Years 10 and 11, and single en-suite bedrooms for the Sixth Form boarders.

We are seeking an experienced teacher who is interested in the formation of young people and in developing a culture of delight in learning within the house.

The successful candidate will have a PGCE or equivalent; any relevant subject offered by Ampleforth College will be acceptable. Houseparents teach a reduced timetable of about half, and many Houseparents contribute to games or co-curricular activities.

About the school:  

Ampleforth is full boarding with students from all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. We rejoice in being culturally diverse with many different languages spoken.

Our academic results are impressive and show that every student is inspired to reach their potential. Beyond academic excellence, to ensure they leave school ready for the challenges ahead, our approach is to encourage our students to develop Benedictine Scholarship; that they would become life-long learners, who are reflective and resilient, who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, with an ability to transfer knowledge and skills across different contexts, in a discerning and critically engaging manner, through good academic habits, and a love of reading. We wish for our students to be digitally equipped for the 21st century, but mindful of any associated ethical implications regarding the use of this technology or programs. Finally, we want for our students to always be striving to give of their best.

We offer a Compass for Life, recognising that every person is of equal value and has unique talents. Our duty is to draw out these talents so that each student becomes the very best version of themselves. The principles of Benedictine community living teach us that we are made better through our relationships with others. As individuals thrive, so does the community – and our community is very strong and welcoming. Our students are inspired to become thoughtful, caring and considerate citizens.

Ampleforth has a fantastic range of benefits to offer, such as:  Free meal during working hours

• A generous Bounty scheme for referral of new staff
• Pension – Ampleforth College Group Personal Pension Scheme

• Subsidised on-site gym membership

• Free car parking on site

• Cycle to work scheme

• Employee assistance programme

• A friendly and supportive working environment

• 10% Staff Discount at Ampleforth Abbey Shop and Tearooms

• Fee remission (at the Head’s discretion)

If you are seeking a highly rewarding position, please download and complete the attached application form and return it to employment@ampleforth.org.uk

If you would like to find out further information about the school, please see the attached applicant information pack. If you have any questions about the role, please

don’t hesitate to contact the Human Resources department on the email above or via telephone 01439 766415, who will be delighted to speak to you.

St Laurence Education Trust and Ampleforth College are committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people. They expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices and procedures reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) along with other relevant employment checks.

Housemasters/Housemistresses are the key leaders for the personal flourishing and formation of the young people in their care. The range of responsibilities is set out in the school policies, of which the Safeguarding of Children is paramount.