Apply to work at a Boarding School. You should be able to find positions near where you live and also abroad – schools hire international staff to work all around the world.
What is a Boarding School?
Boarding schools are residential private schools, where students live at school during the academic year. Boarding schools are like some US colleges in that students live in dorms or residence halls, but they primarily serve secondary school students. Boarding schools are usually very elite and expensive to attend, but the benefits for students are huge, including a highly recommended education and the potential to boost future prospects.
What Are Different Types of Jobs at a Boarding School?
There are lots of job opportunities at boarding schools, including working in academics as a teacher, assistants, in administration, managers, residential advisors, sales and marketing, chefs, kitchen staff, nurses, sports coaches and student coordinators. Some schools hire assistants which are popular with students or graduates seeking gap year jobs and to gain work experience in a unique environment. Full time and part time roles are available all year round.
Where Can You Find Positions?
Countries where boarding schools are located include Europe – the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa, and many more locations. Some schools around the world hire international staff to add a unique bend to their workforce.
Requirements
As a staff member you will need to be friendly, fun, energetic and creative and be keen to work to develop students’ education. Some professions e.g. teaching will usually require a formal education, degree and experience but some other roles e.g. assistants, you will usually need to make a good impression at an interview. If you are successful in an application you will need pass a child protection screening appropriate to the post including an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and checks with previous employers.
Benefits
Salaries are usually high, and accommodation and meals are usually included for advertised live-in roles meaning you can save a lot of money. Schools usually organise lots of activities, events and sightseeing activities if you are from overseas.
How to Apply
Schools usually hire direct rather than using recruiters, and most have careers sections on their websites. You usually apply online with a CV and cover letter, and if chosen, you will be required to pass an interview which could be in person, or online if the job is advertised internationally. If you see a role which appeals to you we encourage you to apply as soon as possible as competition for positions can be high.
If you like the idea of working at a board school but are not sure this position is right for you, similar roles can include au pair jobs or teaching English.