Head of Boarding and Residential

CATS Cambridge offers an outstanding international pre‑university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. Students live and work at the custom‑built Cambridge campus, studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff.

We are committed to the safeguarding, health and well‑being of our students.

The Head of Residential Life reports to the Deputy Head Wellbeing and leads the boarding community at CATS Cambridge. They are responsible for overseeing the welfare, safety, and pastoral care of all boarders, managing a team of House Parents and boarding staff, and ensuring a supportive, inclusive, and engaging residential environment. The role requires strong leadership, a commitment to safeguarding, and a passion for nurturing students personal, social, and academic development.

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Safeguarding qualifications, or willingness to train as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications (or willingness to complete training).
• Experience or formal training in boarding management is highly desirable.
• Significant experience in a pastoral, residential, or boarding environment, preferably in an educational setting and working with international students.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including line‑managing staff teams.
• Experience of developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Track record of promoting student welfare, pastoral care, and safeguarding.

• Ability to lead a diverse team, set high standards, and foster professional development.
• Comprehensive understanding of child protection legislation, safeguarding procedures, and pastoral care practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies or challenging situations.
• Strong administrative skills, including record‑keeping, reporting, and policy management.
• Approachable, empathetic, and able to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Awareness of the needs of international students and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

• Commitment to student welfare and safeguarding.
• Energetic, approachable, and enthusiastic about residential life.
• Professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing priorities.
• Committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive boarding community.

• Willingness to live on‑site or be available for evening/weekend duties as required.
• Willingness to work in accordance with CATS Cambridge's safeguarding, health and safety, and school policies.
• Commitment to professional development and staying up‑to‑date with developments in boarding and pastoral care.

CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US and China. Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real‑life skills for the future.

We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well‑developed links to over 40 top global universities. We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world.

CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well‑being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.