Live-Out Governess | G4 | Ascot, UK + Travel | Highly Competitive Salary DOE + Accommodation

Location: Ascot, UK + international travel
Schedule: 5 days per week, ideally Thursday and Friday off
Hours: Approximately 7:00am–8:00pm, with around 5 hours of downtime during the school day
Accommodation: Separate one-bedroom flat provided close to the family home
Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience – candidates should present salary expectations
Start Date: ASAP
Trial: 2–3 days

The Role

A warm and easygoing family based in Ascot is seeking an experienced, education-focused Governess for their four-year-old daughter, who is beginning Reception.

This is a wonderful long-term opportunity for a Governess who is genuinely passionate about a child’s education and development and would like to become a trusted part of family life. The parents are keen to establish strong foundations from an early age, combining warmth and encouragement with clear boundaries, consistency and age-appropriate discipline.

The successful candidate will support the girl’s learning throughout Reception and beyond, with a long-term view towards future academic milestones, including 7+ and 11+ preparation. The family is looking for someone who will be genuinely invested in her academic, emotional and personal development and help her grow into a confident, well-rounded young person.

The girl is extremely energetic and active, and the successful Governess will need to have the energy and enthusiasm to keep up with her. She is also a very strong swimmer and particularly enjoys swimming and water-based activities.

The working day will begin at approximately 7:00am, with responsibility for the morning routine and school drop-off. During term time, there will then be substantial downtime of approximately five hours while the girl is at school, before duties resume for school collection, after-school activities, educational support and the evening routine until approximately 8:00pm.

Both parents travel extensively, and occasional proxy parenting will therefore be required. The family also travels frequently internationally, including to Thailand, the USA, Australia, Turkey and throughout Europe. The Governess will accompany the family on their travels and should be highly flexible and genuinely enjoy travelling.

The household is fully staffed, informal and fast-paced, with plenty of support available. The family is very easygoing and would like to find somebody who will become a trusted part of family life and remain with them for the long term. There are also two dogs in the household, so candidates must be comfortable around dogs.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the girl’s educational development and academic progress
• Establish strong academic foundations and encourage curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning
• Support Reception learning and progressively prepare for future academic milestones, including 7+ and 11+
• Provide clear, consistent and age-appropriate boundaries and guidance
• Support the girl’s emotional, social and behavioural development
• Plan engaging educational activities, projects, outings and experiences
• Encourage literacy, numeracy, reading and broader intellectual development
• Manage school drop-offs and collections
• Liaise with the school, teachers, tutors, activity providers and other relevant professionals
• Manage the girl’s diary, including school commitments, extracurricular activities, appointments and social engagements
• Organise and oversee after-school activities and routines
• Manage the girl’s wardrobe, ensuring clothing, school uniform and belongings are organised and prepared as required
• Prepare healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for the girl
• Encourage physical activity and participate confidently in swimming and water-based activities
• Accompany the family on extensive international travel
• Provide occasional proxy parenting when required
• Work collaboratively with other members of the fully staffed household
• Maintain excellent communication with the parents regarding the girl’s progress and development

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience within private households
• PGCE, QTS or relevant Early Years teaching qualification
• Native English speaker with clear, articulate spoken English
• Additional language highly desirable – Turkish would be particularly advantageous, with French or Spanish also welcomed
• Warm, engaging, energetic and confident working with a highly active child
• Exceptionally strong and confident swimmer, including being comfortable underwater
• Experienced and confident international traveller
• Full driving licence required
• Comfortable working within a fully staffed household
• Comfortable around dogs
• Flexible and willing to undertake occasional proxy parenting
• Discreet, trustworthy, reliable and professional
• Seeking a genuinely long-term position
• Excellent references and a completely clean background
• Willing to undergo extensive background screening by both the agency and family

To apply for this role, please quote “Governess | Ascot” and send your CV to enquiries@quintessentialgoverness.com.