Teaching in Boarding School

[TheTurtleFeet]

Hi there
I'm considering applying to a boarding school in the Midlands as a full time teacher. I currently work 60 hours per week in a state school. I know there's an expectation for house duties, events, possible Saturday school and commitments in the holidays. However, I'm trying to find out some more information about the hours expected to help me decide. I am a parent of twins (6 year olds) and I am married. I have taught full time for 16 years. Our family wouldn't be living on site. Would anyone be able to reply or DM me?

I think you need to ask the school that you are thinking of applying to, as exact requirements will vary quite a lot between schools.

My son works in a boarding school - the teaching day is longer than that in a day school, but he has free time during the day, so he is not teaching all the time. He has Saturday school, house duties two evenings a week and occasional Sunday duties (maybe once or twice a term maximum). He also does some early evening teaching one or two days a week for an extracurricular subject. He has just done a school trip over half term, but other than trips, he's not expected to work during school holidays. It's pretty full on, and he is coping, because he's young and single and ambitious, but he doesn't think he'll be able to stick it indefinitely. It's definitely a lifestyle choice....

Yes. I did 10 years in a boarding school
in the midlands … I clocked up 75 hours a week during term time but we lived in. If you live off site I think the expectations are fewer but do be prepared for demanding parents .
the long holiday periods are fantastic … I had a ball for 8 years at the school but hated the last 2 years. Saturday school can also be an expectation and taking sports teams away … whatever subject you teach.
Go for it , a benefit can sometimes be getting your kids into the school and living in … rent your house out and live on site … it’s hard but a v unique experience. I wish you luck.

From what I’ve observed you might find it less mentally exhausting if you actually live on site. The married with children boarding school teachers I’ve known have all lived either in a boarding house (as house master / mistress) or at least within the school grounds and their children (and dogs) have been more or less integrated into the rhythm of boarding life. That way it feels less as if school is stealing your personal time with every extra minute worked.

And, of course, you’re more likely to progress professionally if you enthusiastically take on house duties.

Afraid I can’t help with exact number of hours. All the teaching staff I’ve encountered who had house duties undertook to reply to parents really, really speedily …

I'm about to retire after 20+ years at one. It is knackering but I've enjoyed it. Never lived in though.