School matron

You could take a college course before applying for a job with a school. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials
• Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
• Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start as a house parent or member of the wider pastoral care team. You could then take on-the-job training, for example through the Boarding Schools' Association, and work your way up.

Experience working with children will help. This can be in a paid or voluntary role. You could volunteer at your local school or search for opportunities on:

• Do-it
• NCVO
• Volunteering Matters

You could apply directly for jobs as a school matron. Employers may view your personality and life experiences as more important than qualifications. You'll usually need experience in working with young people. Some may ask for relevant training and qualifications, including GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.

Further information

You can find more about working as a school matron from the Boarding Schools' Association.

You'll need:

• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• helping pupils from all countries and cultures settle into school life
• keeping pupils healthy and safe
• helping supervise at meal times and bedtimes
• communicating with parents about their children
• taking pupils to medical and dental appointments
• organising and attending social activities for pupils
• keeping records and writing reports
• attending staff meetings
• sorting laundry and repairs
• monitoring cleaning staff
• driving a minibus

You could work at a school.

You may need to wear a uniform.