The English Governess operates a unique scheme which gives families the option of hiring a “student governess” for all or part of the summer holidays.

Our summer candidates are typically well educated, well spoken young women (and men) who are either studying to be teachers or are newly qualified. We recruit from some of the UK’s leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as top sports colleges. Typically, the candidates will have some classroom teaching experience, and may have worked as baby-sitters or temporary nannies.

Employing a student teacher can be an extremely cost-effective means of immersing your children in English during the summer holidays, and at the same time having a spare pair of hands to help with childcare and baby-sitting. While a governess will be happy to do as much formal teaching as you require, generally during the holidays the emphasis is more on games, sports, arts and crafts, conversation and generally having fun - all of it in English!

Please let us know if your child has any particular talents or interests, especially sports, music or art. Often it is possible to find a student who is proficient at (say) tennis or piano and could help develop your child’s skill.

Summer governesses are expected to be more flexible about hours and duties than those in our regular permanent positions. However, although they can be asked to care for children for 10-12 hours per day, their main task will be to develop the children’s spoken English. They should not be asked to do any domestic duties which are not directly related to the children. They should have their own room, be invited to join in with family outings and activities and be given two free days per week (sometimes they might agree to work six or even seven days, but only if recompensed appropriately).

Salary

The minimum weekly salary for a student teacher is € 250, and can be more, depending on experience, duties, the number of children and the location of the position.

The client is also responsible for the candidate's air ticket and any other reasonable travelling expenses.

Availability

Our summer governesses cannot usually begin work until the English universities finish, around the middle of June.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend early registration: we begin interviewing in February/March. To start the process, please complete the on-line registration form and we will start matching your particular needs to our candidates.

For further information, please navigate the menu above or email us at info@englishgoverness.com