Queen Victoria School (QVS) is a Ministry of Defence full time boarding school within the Scottish Education System. We exist to provide a caring but stretching learning environment, valued by the military families whom we serve. We embody and promote values of Excellence, Equality, Integrity, Nurture and Positivity. QVS has a long tradition of ceremonial excellence; we take pride in this and all that our School has to offer.
This is a full time residential position during term time. The Housemaster/mistress (HoM) is responsible for the safe, orderly and effective running of his/her House throughout term times. This responsibility may be delegated for short periods when the HoM is off duty, but overall accountability remains with him/her at all times when the School is in session. In addition to the role of Housemaster/mistress the postholder will also be required to carry out a reduced teaching role.
Defence Children Services (DCS) is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. Our Vision is that we Educate the Child – Support the Family – Defend the Nation. HQ DCS is UK based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon and has forward deployed staff all over the world. DCS is responsible for the education and care of children of accompanied Service and Defence entitled personnel in MOD schools and settings; provides advice and guidance in respect of education for service families in the United Kingdom and the wider world.
All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks and successful references. Where possible references are taken up before interview.
The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.
This position is advertised at 35 hours per week.
Duties and Responsibilities of HoM:
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and staff.
- As the Named Person, adhering to the GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) - S.A.F.E (Support. Additional. Formal. Extended) process to ensure every pupil receives the highest level of support possible.
- Nurturing and promoting growth in independence and maturity in preparation for meeting confidently the challenges of the wider world. This will be accomplished by providing a framework for living together, setting up structures for increasing responsibilities and freedoms, mentoring through one-to-one relationships and conflict resolutions.
- Ensuring effective communication with Head, Deputy Head Academic (DHT Academic), Deputy Head Teacher Pastoral & Boarding (DHT P&G), Matron, Teaching Staff and Tutors regarding pupil progress.
- Liaising with staff, medical staff and parents to monitor the health and wellbeing of each pupil.
- To be available to parents, especially at arrival and departure times; to provide a warm welcome and hospitality at these times to both parents and to other visitors.
- Ensuring the security and safety of the House as far as possible, by ensuring suitable Risk Assessments are maintained and reviewed annually for the House. HoM to liaise with DHT(P&B) and Estates.
- HoMs communicate effectively with and line manage all staff in the pastoral context.
- Lead, co-ordinate and publish House policy and procedures to the House Team. Lead House team meetings and arrange Promoted House staff meetings when required. Delegate as appropriate the lead for House Council meetings.
- Compile the annual rota for the House Duties, every summer term. With the support of the DHT(P&B) the HoMs manage their house teams and ensure there is suitable and adequate supervision in House at all times.
- Provide induction for new staff in the House. Promote and support staff with pastoral professional development opportunities.
- Effectively Line Manage, support, and review annual PADRs for, both the House Matron and Housekeeper,
- Lead and manage the wider House team (Deputy, Matron, Tutors).
Duties and Responsibilities of Teachers:
In addition to the role of HoM the postholder will also be required to carry out a reduced teaching role. In the teaching role the following will apply:
- Teaching assigned classes including the supervision of classes for absence cover.
- Preparation of lessons and contribution to the development of courses as specified by the Principal Teacher or Line Manager as appropriate.
- Assisting in the development of the school curriculum and all national initiatives.
- Assessment, recording and reporting on the work of pupils and attending parent/teacher meetings as required by the School.
- Presentation of pupils for and participation in the conduct of internal and national examinations.
- Undertaking appropriate in-service training including school in-service days subject to the policies of the School.
- Contributing to the professional development of colleagues, including probationary and student teachers.
- Participation in the administration and organisation of the School, in accordance with school policies.
- Maintenance of good order and discipline among pupils with due regard to their health and safety.
- Acting as tutor to a group of pupils.
- Advising and guiding pupils on Personal, Social and Health Education matters when appropriate.
- Regular attendance at school’s morning assembly is desirable. It is also desirable that all teachers will attend Sunday chapel from time to time and especially on Parade Sundays (6 times per year).
- Providing support for pupils at events such as sports days, concerts, stage productions, displays etc.
- As part of boarding school life, teachers are required to assist in the Hobbies programme by offering a minimum of 1 night per week for 1 hour from October to March.
- As part of boarding school life and commitment, teachers are required to assist in a boarding house, according to the agreed house supervision rota.
- Teachers must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of their colleagues and any persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. They are required to co-operate with their employer, as necessary, to enable any duty or requirement imposed on their employer by, or under, any of the relevant statutory provisions to be performed or complied with.
- Teachers are personally responsible for equal opportunities awareness and ensuring that they are aware of, and carry out, the provisions contained in the MoD equal opportunities policy.
- To be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults.
Salary : £42,018 - £52,740
Plus generous boarding allowances
Salary is per annum for full time staff.
Please refer to the job pack available here for further information
Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 14th August 2026