The School Administrative System

Every school is administered by a board of governors comprising a chairman, vice-chairman and up to 20 members. The board of governors is responsible for appointing the Head and has a major say in the appointment of other school staff. The board also oversees the general running and development of the school and plays an important role in fundraising for new facilities.

The Head of the school is a combination of an academic principal and chief executive. He/she is responsible for the care and discipline of the children and for the management of the whole school. The Head is usually assisted by 2 deputy heads, one for academic matters and one for pastoral (the welfare and social well-being of the children).

Each school also has a Registrar to deal with enrolments, admissions etc., and a Bursar who deals with all financial matters - collection of school fees, preparation of end of term bills, disbursement of pocket money. Some schools now have Director of Marketing or Development to look after the more commercial aspects of running a successful private school.

Each boarding house in the school is run by a House Master and/or Mistress who live on the premises, and often these are married couples, each couple responsible for one or two houses. House staff may be teachers, or employed solely for their pastoral role. These house staff build a close rapport with the children in their care and are able to help with any problems a child may have, be it academic, social or personal.

Every boarding school has a resident qualified nurse (sometimes called matron) who can give preliminary medical advice and treatment, but who refers children to the school doctor (who may be resident or who visits on a daily basis)