In British education, a housemaster (or, less commonly, a housemistress) is a member of staff in charge of a boarding house, normally at a boarding school (e.g., especially at a British public school). The housemaster is responsible for the supervision and care of boarders in the house and typically lives on the premises. The term houseparent is also sometimes used, most commonly when a married couple share the role. In addition, there is often an assistant housemaster (or assistant housemistress) acting as a deputy.