Required from September 2026 Permanent, Full-time term-time position.
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in the village of Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and Co-Curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women.
An Assistant Housemistress fulfils a vital role at Downe House. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for excellence; unbounded energy to ensure the House is well run and an unyielding determination to support each girl in the House, as she navigates her own individual journey to be the very best version of herself (even at 7am, when she might rather be in bed!).
You will be immersed in the 24/7 nature of a busy school. The ideal candidate will be intelligent, patient, kind, fun and brave role models for our girls and with previous experience of working in a boarding environment. Preferably you will also be a qualified teacher, who is able to teach up to half a timetable in your specific field.
You’ll inspire our girls to be trailblazers in all that they do. Attention to detail, a good understanding of cross-cultural issues and great likeability are important qualities. When it goes wrong, as it can on the teenage journey, you will need to be able to help your girls to navigate failure and manage parental expectations with diplomacy and wisdom. You will be supported in your role by your Housemistress and a wider House Team to ensure the happiness and safety of pupils in your care.
This is a residential post, so the Assistant Housemistress will be required to live in the fully funded self-contained accommodation which will be provided. You will have weekly time off during the 34 weeks of term time and enjoy substantial holiday periods for nearly 18 weeks outside of term time.
Benefits Include:
Generous teacher pension scheme
Discounted school fees
Life insurance and critical illness cover
Regular CPD opportunities
Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location
Delicious free meals
Modern gym and swimming pool facilities
A variety of social occasions through the year
For further details and to?submit?an application?please?visit?our?website here:??https://www.downehouse.net/about/working-for-us/??
The closing date is?10th?February 2026.
We will be conducting initial Microsoft Teams screening for selected candidates between Wednesday 11th February and Thursday 12th February. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend an onsite interview during the week commencing 23rd February.
We will review applications upon receipt, so early applications are encouraged.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.?
For further details you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email?recruitment@downehouse.net?
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks.?
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At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.?
