School Administration

How boarding schools are run

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 plays a major role in the appointment of other school staff.  The board also oversees the general running and development of the school and takes part 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 students and for the management of the whole school. The Head is usually assisted by two deputies, one for academic matters and one for pastoral issues (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.  In addition, 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 housemaster and/or mistress who live on the premises.  Often these are married couples, and a couple may be 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 they 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 on campus or who visits as required).