Job Title

Downe House are seeking an Assistant Housemistress to join us from September 2025. This is a vital role within the school and so we are looking for someone with a genuine passion for excellence within boarding. DetailAssistant Housemistress – Upper School 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. We offer a range of benefits including: • Free staff accommodation provided on site • Provision of delicious and nutritious free meals and on-site parking • Generous teacher pension scheme – 21% employer contribution • Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times • Regular opportunities for professional development • A vibrant and supportive staff community • A variety of social occasions through the year • Life insurance and critical illness cover • Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location How to Apply Application forms can be downloaded by clicking 'Apply' at the bottom of the advert on our website at Please return your application, along with CV and covering letter if you wish, to recruitment@ by Sunday 11th May. 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@ 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. 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. Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ#J-18808-Ljbffr