What is a Governess?
Professional British Governess Agency London Services
A UK governess is a highly educated childcare professional who specializes in the academic and social development of school-aged children within a private household. Traditionally employed by distinguished families, a governess focuses on teaching, tutoring, and guiding children’s education in a structured yet nurturing environment.
Unlike an experienced nanny, whose duties are centered around general childcare and daily routines, hiring a British governess provides a more formal, educational role. She may teach core subjects such as English, mathematics, history, and languages, while also instilling confidence, good manners, and cultural awareness.
British governess services often work alongside experienced nanny services and tutors to ensure a well-rounded upbringing. Many families employ a governess to supplement or replace traditional schooling, particularly when traveling or living internationally, this is why many British Governesses move the to the Middle East.
At Elite British Nannies, our Elite British trained private governess are carefully selected for their professional qualifications, teaching experience, their experience in the position and refined approach to child development — offering families an exceptional standard of private education and care. Many choose to be live - in governesses for Middle East families and some work as a Governess in Royal Households and VIP households.
UK Governesses job description
- Provide a high standard of private tuition tailored to each child's academic and learning style
- Support with homework, scheduling and overall academic organisation
- Language and Literacy support
- Enhance language fluency and develop skills in areas such as music, sports and arts
- Delivered structured lessons aligned with international curricula (e.g. British, American and IB programmes)
- Instill refined manners, social etiquette and cultural awareness
- Foster emotional intelligence, confidence and strong social skills
- Inspire curiosity through enriching educational experiences such as theatre trips, museum visit and cultural outings
- Motivate and inspire children to reach their fullest potential
- Liaise with schools and attend relevant meetings
- Plan and co-ordinate each child's academic and extra curricular schedule
- Supervise and guide nannies or private tutors within the household team
- Communicate regularly with parents and teachers to ensure the child's needs are met
- Home - based educational responsibilities
(this list is not exhaustive)
Working hours, accommodation and salary
VIP Governesses typically work six days a week, although many prefer a five-day schedule. A working day can range from 8 to 12 hours, with occasional extra hours required. Accommodation can be live-in or live-out, depending on the client’s preferences. For live-out arrangements, the employer usually provides transportation to and from work.
At Elite British Nannies, we offer experienced UK Governess services with British governesses salaries ranging from £4,000 to £8,000 per month, depending on the governess’s qualifications, experience, and background. All our UK governesses have a degree in a relevant field to their position and/or at least five years of experience in their role.
We only source the best candidates for our British governess services and also provide ongoing support during any position within private household staff.