Governess & Governor

Prior to World War 1, a Governess was common for those who were well-off (great social standing) and living in the countryside. This allowed families to home tutor their children - girls predominantly, as boys were often sent away to boarding school. It also enabled them to travel taking their governess with them, which ensured uninterrupted education and stability for the children.  Almost a hundred years later, Governesses are now exclusive to the elite circles, serving royalty, celebrities, VIPs, and individuals of immense wealth in London, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and more recently in Asia (China, Hong Kong, and India).

Traditionally held by women during the Victorian era, the role of a Governess has seen a shift in the past decade with the emergence of male educators known as Governors. Just like their female counterparts, they fulfill the same responsibilities, focusing on the care and education of school-aged children rather than infants or toddlers, and not involved in cooking or household chores. The specific duties of a Governess or Governor depend on the family's objectives for their child or children, and the manner in which lessons are imparted can be formal, informal, or a blend of both.

• Enhance English language proficiency across all subjects, including mathematics.
  
• Design and deliver tailored formal and informal lessons based on the child's individual needs and skill level.
  
• Offer creative, artistic, exploratory, and research opportunities that are developmentally appropriate to enhance learning.
  
• Utilise diverse teaching methods and a variety of resources to accommodate different learning styles.
  
• Organise visits to places of interest, such as museums and art galleries, to broaden knowledge and understanding of the world.
  
• Incorporate play-based activities to facilitate learning.
  
• Participate in and support a range of sporting and extracurricular activities as needed.
  
• Assist with homework completion and timely submission.
  
• Provide regular written and/or oral feedback to parents.
  
• Collaborate with school teachers and visiting tutors to ensure a cohesive learning experience.
  
• Integrate travel to various locations into the educational journey.
  
• Teach and reinforce good manners, social etiquette, and positive behaviour.
  
• Prioritise the child's safety and overall well-being at all times.

Governess and Governor roles in the UK are typically fulfilled by individuals who hold a degree, as these positions require a strong educational background. While there are no specific college courses dedicated to training for these roles, the emphasis on education and academic knowledge means that those who pursue careers as Governesses or Governors often have completed higher education. The nature of the responsibilities associated with these positions necessitates a deep understanding of various subjects and pedagogical techniques, making a degree a common qualification for those seeking to excel in these roles.

If you are a nanny with extensive experience, typically spanning 10 years or more, and possess a childcare qualification or have gained valuable expertise in childcare, then certain families may be open to considering your CV applications. Demonstrating your aptitude and proficiency in supporting children with their academic studies is crucial, which can often be showcased through your previous experience in a similar role. Your years of dedicated service and commitment to nurturing and educating children provide a strong foundation for families seeking a capable and experienced nanny to foster their children's development and academic success.

Competitive salaries between 800 and 1800 GBP are offered, determined by qualifications, experience, hours worked, role specifications, and location.

Get in Touch...

If you are looking to employ a Governess or other skilled professionals for your household, please feel free to reach out to us. You can submit your enquiry via email, telephone, or by filling out the contact form located at the bottom of our website. Candidates interested in applying can find more information on our Candidate Page. We look forward to hearing from you.