Job Description

An UHNW international family based in Chelsea is seeking an experienced, engaging and academically confident Governess to support their two daughters, aged 4 and 10.

During term time, the Governess will work Monday through Friday from 4pm–8pm, taking responsibility for the girls' after-school routine and providing a thoughtful balance of academic support, educational activities and engaging childcare. A more full-time schedule will be required during school holidays, including regular international travel with the family.

The family is looking for someone who can build a warm and positive relationship with the children while providing appropriate structure and consistency. A calm, confident and adaptable approach is essential. The successful candidate will be skilled at building positive relationships with strong personalities, setting clear and consistent boundaries, and navigating moments of resistance or frustration in a patient, constructive and emotionally attuned manner.

Academically, the Governess will support both children's learning across the general curriculum, with a particular focus on 11+ preparation and academic development for the older child. They should be confident reinforcing school and nursery learning, supporting homework and providing engaging educational input tailored to each child's age, ability and learning style.

This is a fully staffed household, and the Governess should be comfortable working collaboratively as part of a wider household team. They should equally be confident operating in both sole-charge and shared-care situations, with the emotional intelligence to read the room and quickly understand established family and household dynamics.

This is a permanent position offered on a self-employed basis, and candidates must be able to work in this capacity.

Responsibilities

• Provide structured academic support across the general curriculum, supporting school learning objective and associated academic development
• Support the older child with 11+ preparation
• Plan creative, educational and age-appropriate activities for both children whilst balancing learning, play and downtime
• Adapt activities and teaching approaches to the age, interests and learning style of each child
• Encourage curiosity, confidence, independence and positive learning habits
• Establish clear and consistent boundaries and sensitively navigate moments of resistance or frustration
• Support wider childcare duties and the girls' evening routine, including preparation for bedtime
• Liaise with the parents regarding the children's learning, progress and development
• Work collaboratively and discreetly alongside other household staff
• Travel internationally with the family during school holidays and provide increased support during these periods

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent strong academic background
• Teaching qualification or relevant educational qualification highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of the British primary curriculum
• Demonstrable knowledge of the 11+ process and curriculum
• Previous experience preparing children for 11+ examinations strongly preferred
• Native English speaker or native-level English fluency

Requirements

• Previous Governess, teaching, tutoring or educational childcare experience
• Calm, confident and emotionally attuned, with a strong approach to boundaries and consistency
• Warm and fun while maintaining appropriate structure and expectations
• Able to adapt their approach to different ages, personalities and learning styles
• Confident working in both sole-charge and shared-care capacities
• Discreet, professional and able to quickly understand household dynamics
• Flexible and able to travel internationally during school holidays
• Able to work on a self-employed basis
• Right to work in the UK

Salary and Benefits

Highly competitive hourly rate, depending on experience