Welcome to the AGBIS Governor Vacancies Board

This board is for our member schools to advertise any governor vacancies they have.  If you are an AGBIS member school and would like to advertise your vacancy on this Board please get in touch on [email protected] and we will support you.

We also have a Clerk Vacancies Board, which you can view here.

There are currently vacancies in the following Schools:

• St George's School, Windsor
• Our Lady's Preparatory School
• Holme Grange School
• King's Ely
• Abbey Gate College
• Aldenham Foundation
• Rikkyo School
• Rishworth School
• Surbiton High School
• Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby
• King Edward VI Foundation
• Francis Holland Schools Trust (FHST)

Please use the links above or scroll down to view details of the current vacancies and how to apply:

St George's School, Windsor

Vacancy: Governors

Location: Windsor

Description: The Board of Governors of St George’s School Windsor Castle is seeking to recruit new members to join us in the strategic leadership of this vibrant and diverse community. St George’s School, Windsor Castle, an IAPS school, is an integral part of the College of St George with close links with Windsor Castle, making the very most of our special location.

Our school has existed since 1348. Our long heritage of educating the Choristers of St George’s Chapel continues to be a core function of the school. Our school values of Kindness, Honesty and Courage, and our express aim to ensure our students are ‘Real World Ready’ form the very foundation of this successful and innovative Prep School for over 300 students aged 3 – 13. Our committed staff contribute hugely to the success, warmth and happiness of the school. In turn, a tremendous spirit of friendship, mutual trust and collaboration exists at St George’s.

Our Board seeks governors with a range of backgrounds and experiences, who can share their knowledge and expertise to support the School’s values and strategic aims. We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Time to contribute to the school
• Experience of strategic thinking
• An open and enquiring mind
• The ability to look at issues objectively
• A willingness to join in debate and to make informed judgements

Governors set the strategic vision, constructively challenging current processes and use their unique perspective to support senior leaders in a variety of ways. Governorship also represents an opportunity to develop additional professional leadership and collaboration skills, all while making a real impact on children’s education. Previous governance experience is not required as training will be made available. Experience in the following areas would be of particular interest:

• Safeguarding
• Finance and Accounting
• Estates & facilities
• HR
• Prep and primary education

Time commitment
It is expected that all Governors attend 3 Council meetings a year, one sub-committee each term and an annual strategy day. We encourage governors to visit the school to get to know the staff, understand the school and represent the board, particularly at key school events. Governors serve an initial term of 5 years with the option to serve a second 3 year term and, if desired, a final 2 year term.

Safeguarding
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other checks relevant to the role of Governor.

How to Apply: If you are interested in joining the Board at St George’s please send a brief CV and cover letter to the Clerk to Governors, Katie Chorley ([email protected]).

Our Lady’s Preparatory School

Vacancy: Multiple Governors

Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire

Description: Our Lady’s Preparatory School is looking to recruit a number of Trustees to add to our current governing body of five. Of particular interest are candidates with commercial and financial experience, and those with a background in early years learning, but the primary requirement is for Trustees with the energy and skills to contribute to the strategic direction of this values driven School.

Our Lady’s is a charitable incorporated organisation, which accepts children in its Nursery from the age of three months, and its Preparatory School from the age of five. The Nursery currently accommodates some 120 children, and there are a further 130 children in the School where they are able to remain until the age of eleven. As a Catholic school our mission is to provide an inclusive, faith-based learning environment where, all year round, we build community and aim to prepare our children for life in the 21^st century.

We offer a broad, balanced and enhanced curriculum. We believe that every child should be challenged to achieve their full potential in an atmosphere of care and concern for their well-being, seeking at the same time to foster in children a curiosity and a real enjoyment of lifelong learning. This approach was recognised by our most recent ISI Inspection of the School in which we were assessed as good in academic achievement, and excellent in pupils’ pastoral care and well-being. Likewise, our Nursery was assessed as good in all areas, offering good teaching and excellent additional, targeted support

How to apply: To learn more about the Trustee role at Our Lady’s please contact our Chair of Trustees, Mr Matthew Ware at [email protected] using the subject “Trustee Application”.

Holme Grange School

Vacancy: Multiple governors

Location: Wokingham, Berkshire

Description: Holme Grange School is seeking to augment its governance by recruiting new Board members.

Throughout our 80-year history Holme Grange has benefitted from a Governing Body which works with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure we provide a high quality education in an authentic, ambitious, courageous learning community. Holme Grange is an all-through school for 750 children aged 2 to 16 set in over 21 acres of idyllic grounds in Wokingham, Berkshire. 

The School is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, so Governors are both Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. The Board of Governors comprises a combination of professionals, business leaders, members of the local community, all of whom bring individual skills, insights, and experience.

There are currently eight Governors. The Board delegates key strategic areas to subcommittees responsible for Finance, Administration and Estates, and Education and Welfare.

Previous Board experience in education or other sectors is not necessary but would be beneficial. We are particularly interested to hear from those with experience in finance or accounting, law or business management.

How to Apply: If you are able to offer your expertise or know of someone who may be interested in the role, please contact our Clerk to the Governors, Mr Anthony Cook, via email [email protected]

Holme Grange is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening.

King’s Ely

Vacancy: Two Governors: Finance Governor and Information Technology Governor.

Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire

Description: King’s Ely can trace its origins from at least 970AD, making it one of the oldest schools in Europe. Originally a monastic foundation, today it is a thriving independent day and boarding school for around 1000 boys and girls aged from 2-18. The School is subdivided into four sections: King’s Ely Senior (age 13-18) and King’s Ely Prep (age 7-13), which occupy adjacent campuses and shared facilities, King’s Ely Acremont and Nursery (ages 2-6) and Fairstead House including Fairstead House Nursery which is in NewmarketHpusde .

The expectation is that Governors will attend all Board meetings (usually four per year), including any Strategy Day, and the meetings of any Committees of which they are a member. In addition, Governors are expected to attend Governor and other relevant training as well as visit the School on a regular basis and spend time reading around issues of governance and education.

It is anticipated that a Governor commitment will be between 12 and 16 days per year. Governors who are the Chair or Vice Chair of the Board or a Chair of a Committee are likely to spend more time to meet their governance duties.

All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to enhanced DBS and full clearance checks.

As Finance Governor we are looking for someone with senior leadership experience in a large organisation with commercial and financial accountability or finance management, and degree level or professional financial qualification or equivalent in Finance Management or business.

As Information Technology Governor we are looking for someone to provide oversight, monitoring and guidance of the School’s IT infrastructure and services plans to ensure that these support the School’s Strategic Development Plan, and day-to-day operations.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please do visit our website to find further information.

How to apply: Expressions of interest are welcome, consisting of a covering letter and CV to Dr Roger Axworthy, Clerk to the Governors at [email protected].

Abbey Gate College

Vacancy: Governors

Location: Saighton Grange, Chester

Description: As part of our succession plan we are seeking to appoint new governors. The governors of the College also act as charity trustees and company directors. The role is at the strategic level in a non-executive capacity, the College being run very effectively at an operational level by the Head and leadership team. We are committed to delivering excellent education in a safe and nurturing environment. The Staff working at the College fully support the Board and work diligently in delivering the Strategic Plan.
The Board has 5 Committees helping to deliver the core business under the remits of Education, Wellbeing, Finance, Promotions and Estates. This is a voluntary position, but governors' expenses, which are directly incurred and approved, will be covered, including training costs.

Skills sought:
Roles for aspiring governors are available on each of our Board committees requiring skills in education, finance, safeguarding, business, marketing, IT, estate management, HR and general company and employment law.

How to Apply: If you believe you have the necessary skills or are looking to develop your skills still further and are seeking a non-executive director position in the independent education sector we would be pleased to hear from you. In the first instance, this might involve a Teams meeting with the current chair and the company secretary to answer your questions and generally provide more information. Please contact the [email protected] to express your interest in a role.

Aldenham Foundation

Vacancy: Education Governor

Location: Elstree, Hertfordshire

Description: The Aldenham Foundation is led by the Head of Foundation who is ably supported by the Foundation Leadership Group and SLTs of the two schools.

Aldenham Senior School educates around 700 boys and girls (11-18 yrs) together with the Aldenham Prep School, which educates around 150 boys and girls (3-11 yrs) on the Aldenham Campus.

Aldenham School was founded in 1597 and has remained on the same outstanding site ever since - surrounded by green fields, yet only 12 miles from Marble Arch. Aldenham has enjoyed a period of considerable growth over recent years and still retains a strong boarding ethos. Its reputation as an excellent environment for a high- quality all-round education owes much to its close knit and supportive community. Central to our educational aims is the fulfilment of every child’s academic potential, but the building of confidence comes equally from participation in sport, music and drama and by meeting the challenge of living and working together within the disciplined community that is at the heart of Aldenham.  The Senior School offers a wide variety of day and boarding options. 

The Foundation is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, so Governors are also Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company.   The Board of Governors currently comprises 16 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience and includes former parents.  The Governing Body delegates key strategic areas to sub-committees responsible for Education, Operations (including finance) and Governace.

The Foundation is looking to recruit an Educationalist Governor with experience in senior leadership roles to join our board of Trustees.  It is anticipated the individual will be pivotal in helping the schools to continue to grow and thrive.  Candidates with experience in either the independent or state sector would be warmly welcome.

How to Apply: To learn more about the role of Governor at the Aldenham Foundation, and to discuss the process of appointment please contact the Mr Karl Mahon, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at [email protected].

Rikkyo School 

Vacancies: 

• Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee
• Governor

Location: 30 minutes from Guildford in Surrey just outside the village of Rudgewick

Description: Rikkyo School in England is a coeducational, Japanese boarding school for 180 students between the ages of 10 and 18. Students follow a Japanese, bicultural curriculum taught largely by Japanese teaching staff in Japanese. Key posts on the SMT and operational framework are English-speaking and familiar with the UK independent education. 

We have two vacancies on the Governance Advisory Board:

1. Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee - we are looking for someone with senior leadership experience in a large organisation with commercial and financial accountability or finance management, and a professional financial qualification or equivalent in Finance Management or business.
    
2. Governor - We are interested to recruit people from a wide range of professional backgrounds especially legal or estates management, not retired teachers (we have two already).

The Trustees of Rikkyo are largely Japanese nationals, the majority living in Japan. The tasks of the Governance Advisory Board is hold the senior management to account for the day-to-day running of the School, compliance with the Independent Schools Regulations Standards (ISSR), and to advice the Board of Trustees accordingly.

Members of the Governance Advisory Board have no financial liability and are remunerated. Appointments are for three years and Governors are expected to attend three subcommittee, three main board, three visits (all half-days), and one strategic planning day in any single year. 

How to Apply: Apply to the Chair of the Governance Advisory Board [email protected] by sending your CV and a short note as to why the role might suit you.

Rishworth School

Vacancies: Multiple Governors

Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire

Description: Rishworth School is seeking new Governors to help shape the school’s strategic direction. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about education and eager to contribute to the school’s ongoing success.

As a forward-thinking and innovative independent day and boarding school, Rishworth educates students aged 3-18 while upholding strong traditional values. Set in the heart of West Yorkshire, the school has been located in its stunning 140-acre grounds for over 300 years.

Rishworth School operates as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning Governors also serve as Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. The Board currently consists of 10 Governors from a variety of professional backgrounds, including former students and parents. To effectively oversee key strategic areas, the Board delegates responsibilities across several sub-committees:

• Finance & Business
• Audit & Risk
• Marketing & Admissions
• Quality of Education
• Safeguarding & Pastoral

A Social & Economic Development Sub-Committee is also planned for the next 12 months.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in Law, HR, Marketing, Finance, or Estate Management, although applications from those with other relevant expertise are also welcome. Prior experience as a Governor is not required. We are looking for individuals who support the school’s Aims and Values, understand the challenges faced by independent schools, and can bring a commercial perspective to help explore future opportunities.

This is a voluntary role, subject to an enhanced DBS check and full clearance procedures.

If you are interested in contributing to the future of Rishworth School, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply: If you would like a further discussion on the roles, in the first instance please contact Miss Ayesha Blacker, Clerk to the Governors at [email protected]

Surbiton High School

Vacancies: Three governors in Architecture / Estates Management, Secondary School / Higher Education, and Pastoral Care (Social Services, General Practice, Counselling)

Location: Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey

Description: Surbiton High School is seeking three exceptional individuals to join our Local Governing Body (LGB). This is a voluntary role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the education and well-being of pupils at Surbiton High School. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in the following fields:
 

• Architecture / Estates Management – A professional architect or someone with expertise in overseeing building projects, estate development, or facilities and space management. Experience in educational or heritage sites would be advantageous.
• Secondary School / Higher Education – An individual with a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, or educational leadership at the secondary or higher education level. Knowledge of independent education and regulatory frameworks is desirable.
• Pastoral Care (Social Services, General Practice, Counselling) – A candidate with significant experience in child well-being, safeguarding, or mental health. A background in social services, healthcare, or counselling at a senior level would be highly beneficial.

As a Governor, you will play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of the School, ensuring high standards of education and well-being for all pupils. If you have the necessary skills, character and time to contribute to this exceptional environment, we invite you to apply to become part of the Surbiton High School community, where excellence meets passion. Please refer to the Role Description and Person Specification for further details.

How to Apply: Please apply by completing the Application Form and sending this, along with a copy of your CV to [email protected].

Closing date for Applications: 8:00am, 29 May 2025
Interviews to be held week commencing: 9 June 2025

Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby

Vacancy: Three governors in Estates and/or Health and Safety, Music and the Arts, Human Resources

Location: Crosby, near Liverpool

Description:

Merchant Taylors’ is one of the finest schools in the North West of England, founded 400 years ago in Crosby, near Liverpool. We provide an excellent independent education to just under 1,000 girls and boys aged four to 18 years across three prestigious heritage sites.

We are currently looking for committed volunteers to join our Board of Governors. Led by the Chair of Governors, the Board is responsible for the holistic wellbeing of Merchant Taylors’, taking or endorsing strategic and financial decisions, monitoring the School’s educational and pastoral provision and preserving its extensive estate, which includes Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The Board of Governors works as a team and is appointed from a variety of backgrounds, united by a commitment to the education and care of our children and the continued success of the School.  Governors do not need any formal qualifications, but must be aged 18 years old and over.  The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of re-appointment up to a maximum of three terms. The School has high expectations of the time and commitment required from its Governors in order to fulfil their roles effectively.  Importantly, this includes attendance at certain key events throughout the academic year, such as School Speech Days, as well as a number of Board and sub-Committee Meetings, some of which occur outside of working hours.

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals from the following backgrounds:

• Estates and/or Health and Safety
• Music and the Arts
• Human Resources

Please do not be discouraged from applying if you don’t have these skills, as your enthusiasm and potential contribution to Merchant Taylors’ is just as important. At the current time, due to restrictions within our Articles of Association, we are not able to take applications from current parents of the School or alumni.

How to Apply:  If you are interested in applying or would like further information, please request an application form from Mrs Jill Cheseldine, Clerk to the Board of Governors/Executive Assistant, via [email protected] (Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 30 May 2025).

King Edward VI Foundation

Vacancy: Multiple Governors

Location: Birmingham

Description: King Edward's School (KES) is an independent day school for boys located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and founded by King Edward VI in 1552. King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) was founded as a sister school in 1883. Both schools moved to their current site from the city centre in the 1930s and educate students aged 11-18. They form part of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham foundation charity, which also sponsors a multi-academy trust, King Edward VI Academy Trust, Birmingham. The two schools have a joint governing body, which is a committee of the foundation’s board, and a joint senior leadership team led by a Chief Master & Principal.

The Board of Governors currently comprises of 13 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience.  We are now looking for additional members with professional experience in a specific range of fields including property management, surveying or similar,  Higher Education, and Special Educational Needs to enhance our current skill set.  Previous governor experience would be beneficial but is not a requirement. An interest in the education and personal development of young people is essential. 

The Governing Board meet 3 times per year and have one half day Strategy Day.  Members are also expected to support one sub-committee from either Education, Finance and Estates, or Risk & Compliance  depending on their skill set,  which also meet 3 times per year. 

Most meetings are held in person, but hybrid meeting options are available.

How to Apply:  Any expressions of interest should be made to the Head of Governance [email protected]

 Francis Holland Schools Trust (FHST)

Vacancy: Governor with Prep School Head experience

Location: Central London

Description: FHST’s Council is seeking a new Governor with current or previous experience as a Prep School Head. Building on a strong background of educational leadership experience, you will be able to provide advice and guidance on the operational and strategic opportunities and challenges facing London Prep schools. As a Governor, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our Schools and ensuring the highest standards of education.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the wider team. You will have a passion for education and a commitment to the highest standards of teaching and learning.

About FHST: Founded in 1878, FHST is a prestigious educational charity with three independent day Schools for girls in London; Francis Holland Regent’s Parks, Francis Holland Sloane Square, and Francis Holland Preparatory School. Our Schools are known for their academic excellence, vibrant community, and commitment to nurturing the potential of every student.

Governance and Committees: Our Governors work collaboratively through various committees to provide well-informed advice and support to our Schools. From time to time, working parties are set up to focus on achieving specific strategic priorities such as growth and expansion.

Current Committees and Working Parties include:

• Education
• Safeguarding
• Finance and Estates
• Governance and Nominations
• HR and Remuneration
• International

FHST operates as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning Governors also serve as Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company.

Prior experience as a Governor is not required, however on this occasion we are looking specifically for an experienced Prep School Head. You must be willing to support the Schools’ Aims and Values and understand the challenges faced by London independent schools. 

If successful, you will become a member of Council and a member of the Education Committee.

This is a voluntary role, subject to an enhanced DBS check and full clearance procedures.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about education and ready to make a difference, we would love to hear from you. In the first instance please send your CV to Mrs Clair Shaw, Clerk and Advisor to Council at [email protected].

Closing date for applications: 26 May 2025