Job Title: Residential Houseparent (Part-Time)
Location: Felixstowe International College, Suffolk
Working Pattern: Thursday evening to Monday morning (4 nights per week)
We are open to a job-sharing arrangement, with one Houseparent covering 1–2 nights per week and another covering the remaining nights.
Working Hours
Evenings: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Overnight: Sleep-in duty with responsibility for responding to emergencies and safeguarding concerns.
Mornings:
- Term Time weekdays: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Term Time weekends: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Half Terms & Easter Holidays: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holiday Entitlement:
8 weeks paid holiday per year (1 week in September, 4 weeks at Christmas, 3 weeks in summer, aligned with term dates and summer school calendar)
Application deadline: 9:00am, 1 September 2026
Interviews: Early September 2026, with dates arranged flexibly with shortlisted candidates
Start date: As soon as possible, ideally at the beginning of the new academic year, subject to the completion of the required pre-employment checks.
About Us
Felixstowe International College is a small, co-educational independent school with a warm, family atmosphere. We welcome both international and UK students for day and full boarding education. With small class sizes and a dedicated team, we pride ourselves on fostering a caring, supportive, and respectful community. Our Christian ethos underpins everything we do, encouraging personal integrity and global citizenship.
The Role
We are looking for a caring and responsible Residential Houseparent to join our close-knit pastoral team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact in young people's lives, providing a nurturing ‘home away from home’ environment for our boarders.
We are flexible and happy to consider candidates who are available for 2 nights per week. You will join a team of three other Houseparents working collaboratively under the guidance of the Deputy Principal to support the welfare and development of our students.
Key Responsibilities
- Support students during evening and morning routines
- Be on-call overnight to respond to any emergencies
- Promote a warm, safe, and inclusive boarding environment
- Work in collaboration with staff, parents, and guardians to support student welfare
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and order in the boarding house
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding and child protection policies
Person Specification
- Previous experience in a pastoral, residential or supervisory role, ideally within a boarding or educational setting
- A calm, patient and empathetic approach
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- A strong commitment to the ethos and values of the College
- Willingness to undertake safeguarding and other relevant training
- Enhanced DBS check, including Children's Barred List check where applicable, and satisfactory references are essential
- First Aid qualification is desirable; training can be provided for the successful candidate where required
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience and number of nights worked
- Accommodation provided during duty nights
- Evening and breakfast meals provided during term time
- A welcoming, supportive and community-focused working environment
- Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career within the school
- Training and support from an experienced pastoral and boarding team
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Felixstowe International College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to the College's safer recruitment procedures, including verification of identity and right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children's Barred List check where applicable), and any other checks required under current safeguarding guidance.
Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks and other relevant pre-employment checks will also be undertaken.
As part of our safer recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be subject to an online search as part of our due diligence checks.
All appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of the required pre-employment and safeguarding checks.
How to Apply
Please send your completed application form and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected].
For more information about our school, visit: www.ficedu.org
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £4,445.00-£17,780.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
