House Matron

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.

The main function of this post is to provide support to the students of the Boarding House, acting as a parent figure and ensuring the well-being of the pupils by joining the Housemaster/mistress (HoM) and their House team to ensure the smooth running of the domestic arrangements in the House. Matron plays a key role in the Residential Boarding Team, working closely with the HoM and Deputy HoM across evenings and weekends to undertake Pastoral Boarding Duties and playing an active role in developing opportunities for students to thrive within boarding arrangements in the House.

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.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.  

Job Description 

This is a Live-in post and has General, Pupil, Supporting, Domestic and Medical responsibilities- full details can be found in the attached job description. Below is an outline of General and Supporting responsibilities.

General Responsibilities:

· Act as a ‘parent figure’, being generous with time and responsive to pupils' needs.

· Responsible for domestic administration and routine in the House.

· Oversee clothing, linen, bedding, laundry, mending, hygiene, and health.

· Supervise the day-to-day work of the Housekeeper.

· Create a cheerful, caring, and well-ordered environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

· Undertake Boarding Duties, supervising students during evenings and weekends.

· Provide pastoral care, support, and advice to students.

· Ensure students are safe, active, happy, and thriving.

Supporting Pupils:

· To play an active role within the Residential Boarding team, working together to ensure that appropriate care is given to the pupils and that their individual needs are met.

· To work as part of the Residential House team to maintain and enhance a healthy routine of life for each pupil, and to make sure that standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene are taught and carried out.

· To deal with disciplinary matters in a firm but caring manner, and to consult the HoM in any serious matter of concern, and to keep him/her well informed.

· To liaise with the HoM/ School Nurse concerning general health and lifestyle of the pupils, and to keep closely in touch with him/her and the Health and Wellbeing staff in case of individual illness, if required.

· To encourage and guide pupils to cope with the daily routines and challenges of boarding school life – promoting good manners, responsible behaviour and punctuality in the pupils.

· To maintain a good liaison with pupils e.g. by being present at break and lunch time. To prepare for birthday celebrations within the House, as required by the HoM.

· To work as part of the Residential House team to help develop well rounded ambitious and committed young members of the community.  

Full job description and list of responsibilities can be found at the link below. 

Person Specification 

Essential

Registered, or be willing to register, with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and obtain Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 7 within the timescales specified by SSSC (this will be provided).

· Able to move into the one-bedroom flat in Wavell boarding house.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Excellent organisational skills.

· Ability to show patience and understanding to young people.

· Experience in working effectively as part of a team.

· Sees the bigger picture of organisational aims.

Desirable

· A full, clean UK driving licence.

· Additional qualifications in Pastoral Care.

· Experience of working with teenagers or young people.

· Experience of working within a boarding environment.

· Experience of working in a secondary school environment.

· Safeguarding experience.

Benefits   

Alongside your salary of £26,666, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,725 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As a QVS employee you will become a MOD Civil Servant. Benefits for QVS/MOD Civil Servants include:

· The post attracts very generous allowances for Boarding School Duties.

· Personal and professional development opportunities.

· Part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies and prides itself on being a supportive employer.

· Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

· On campus car parking.

· Access to excellent sports facilities, including a multi-gym.

· This role includes Live In Accommodation

· A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Discover My Benefits:

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD:

https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.  

To apply please visit Civil Service Jobs  via the link provided to submit your completed application before the deadline of Thursday 30th April 2026.

Defence Children Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.