Job Title: House Parent & Boarding Adventure Activities Co-ordinator
Reports to: Head of Boarding
Position Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and responsible individual with a passion for adventure activities and youth development to join our boarding team.
The House Parent & Boarding Adventure Activities Co-ordinator plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for students living in the boarding house. Alongside providing high-quality pastoral care, this role leads the planning, organisation, and supervision of an engaging weekend adventure programme and weekday evening sports and fitness activities.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an outdoor education, adventure sports, or activity leadership background who is motivated to combine pastoral care with active, outdoor experiences that build confidence, resilience, and independence in young people.
Key Responsibilities
Pastoral & Boarding Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day pastoral care, guidance, and encouragement to students.
- Supervise boarders during designated shifts, including evenings, weekends, and mornings as scheduled.
- Support students in developing independence, responsibility, and positive study habits.
- Promote student health and wellbeing, including managing minor medical needs and liaising with medical staff where necessary.
- Uphold boarding house standards, encouraging positive behaviour, mutual respect, and community spirit.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-organised boarding environment.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, and emergencies in line with school policies.
Adventure & Activities Leadership
- Plan, organise, and lead a structured weekend adventure programme, including activities such as:
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking
- D of E (Adventurous Journey)
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure all activities operate within appropriate safety guidelines.
- Support the safe transportation and supervision of students during off-site activities.
- Promote participation, inclusion, and skill progression for students of varying abilities.
- Organise and lead weekday evening sports, fitness, exercise and game sessions within the boarding programme.
- Encourage physical wellbeing and healthy lifestyles among boarders.
- Develop new activity initiatives to enrich boarding life and broaden students’ experiences.
Essential Requirements
- A genuine commitment to the wellbeing, safety, and development of young people.
- Experience in outdoor education, adventure activities, or sports leadership.
- Relevant coaching or activity qualifications (or willingness to work towards them).
- Confidence in leading and supervising groups in outdoor environments.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage logistics for off-site activities.
- Fluent English (spoken and written).
- Calm, reliable, and adaptable under pressure.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
- Awareness of safeguarding and child protection principles (training will be provided).
- First Aid qualification (Outdoor First Aid desirable).
Desirable Attributes
- Experience working in a boarding or residential youth setting.
- National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications in activities such as mountain biking, climbing, paddlesports, or surfing.
- Experience conducting risk assessments and managing outdoor safety procedures.
- A passion for mentoring young people through challenge and adventure.
- Ability to inspire confidence, resilience, and teamwork through activity-based learning.
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week
- 2 days off per week
- Weekend work essential as part of the adventure programme
- Evening activity sessions included within contracted hours
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: 2100 euros per month gross
- Accommodation: Private bedroom with ensuite bathroom
- Meals: All meals provided during term time
- Additional Benefits: Access to on-site fitness gym, swimming pool, sportshall and 5 minutes from surfing beach
To apply, please send a CV and current photo to graham.malkin@kingscollegeschool.pt