Vacancy: Multiple Governors 

Location: Tring, Hertfordshire

Description: Located in the Hertfordshire countryside, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is a leading independent school (7-19, co-educational, mixed boarding and day) focusing on dance, drama, musical theatre and commercial music.

Our balanced dual curriculum sets us apart from other schools and provides pupils with a well-rounded education, enabling them to achieve high academic standards at GCSE and A Level and excellence and versatility as performers.

We have an outstanding reputation for delivering specialised training in the performing arts alongside strong traditional academic learning. Pupils leave Tring Park School with expertise, determination and the self-confidence to succeed in the future whatever path they choose to take.

Our Board of Governors already includes a wide range of competencies and we are now looking to strengthen it with new Governors specialising in: -

• Fundraising in the private school sector
• Marketing of independent schools

Governors are required to attend one meeting per term and also to serve on one of the specialist sub-committees.

These are voluntary roles offering a great opportunity to contribute to the continuing success of a unique, creative and well-respected independent school.

How to Apply: Please send a brief CV and relevant supporting information to the Clerk to the Governors at [email protected]

Vacancy: Governor

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Description: St Joseph’s College is a vibrant independent day and boarding school in Ipswich providing a broad and seamless education for boys and girls aged 2 – 19. We provide a wide range of stimulating and challenging opportunities that our pupils embrace in both the academic and extra-curricular life of the College

The resultant all-round education develops our pupils into well-rounded individuals who challenge themselves to ‘be our best’ in every aspect of life at the school, and beyond.

We are seeking a Governor with particular skills and experience within the construction sector and who has had previous board level experience.  Previous experience as a school governor is not necessary.

How to Apply: Please send a CV and Letter of Interest to the Chair of Governors at [email protected]

Vacancy: Multiple governors

Location: London

Description: As part of our succession plan, we are seeking to appoint new governors. Fairley House 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 9 Governors from a variety of professional backgrounds. To
effectively oversee key strategic areas, the Board delegates responsibility across the following sub-committees:

• Education
• Finance
• Health & Safety
• Safeguarding
• People
• Business Development, Fundraising & Marketing

This is a voluntary position, but governors' expenses including training costs will be covered, as long as they are directly incurred and approved.

Please see the full Candidate Pack here.

How to Apply: If you are interested in applying or would like further information, please request an application form from Ms Jane Graham, Clerk to the Board of Governors, via
[email protected]

Vacancy: Governors x 2

Location: East Sussex/Hybrid

Description:

Northease Manor School is a centre of excellence for the education of neurodivergent students. We aim to provide an outstanding educational environment that restores and increases young peoples’ self-esteem and educates the whole child, so that each student has the tools they need to overcome the societal barriers and attitudes to their specific learning support need. The school has a clear and focused objective to become a leading school in its field, and we’re delighted that our inspection earlier this year confirmed that all standards are met.

We are now looking to continue the development and strengthening of our Board through the appointment of 2 new Governors. In addition to living and breathing the Northease Manor principles and values, we’re seeking candidates ideally with experience in a senior teaching or leadership SEN environment or a finance and/or estates background. Previous non-executive/governor experience is not necessary, but you do need a good understanding of corporate governance and strategic risk.

How to Apply: 

If this sounds like you, please take a look at the pack here , then contact Denise Kirkham, our retained Partner at Distinctive People, for an informal discussion on 07833 475669

Vacancy: Finance Governor

Location: Chertsey, Surrey

Description:

Sir William Perkins’s School is an academically selective school for girls aged 11 to 18 based in Chertsey, Surrey, where student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and our overarching belief is that happiness at school is central to academic success.

As we celebrate our 300^th anniversary year in 2025, this is an exciting time of strategic development at SWPS.  Having taken the decision to admit boys from 2026, subject to regulatory approval, the school is embarking on a move towards full coeducation.

We are now looking for an additional member of the Governing Body with professional experience in finance and accountancy to enhance our current skills set and bring a new area of expertise to the Board.

The role:

As a School Governor with financial expertise you will:

• Work with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to develop the strategy and direction of the School.
• Be a key member of the Finance and Investment Committee, helping to ensure sound financial management and investment.
• Ensure that Governance of the School is effective, appropriate, and within the legal and regulatory framework of the independent education sector.
• Provide support to the Head and Leadership Team while being prepared to challenge and question their strategic decisions.

Governors are expected to attend around three Governor Board meetings per year and, three Finance & Investment subcommittee meetings.  These are generally held at the school, but on occasion via Teams. Governors should read thoroughly all supporting documentation and be familiar with the School’s ethos and policies. Mandatory training in areas such as Safeguarding and Compliance is required on joining the Board and must be kept updated throughout a Governor’s tenure. Occasional attendance at events such as open mornings and awards presentations is required in order to establish familiarity with the School.

This is a highly rewarding, pro-bono opportunity to contribute to the success of a thriving School. The role would suit people who are passionate about education and have sufficient time to commit to the role.I

How to Apply: 

Interested parties should send a CV and covering letter to Adrian Durand-Deslongrais, Clerk to Governors

Vacancy: Multiple governors

Location: Battersea, London

Description: We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Governing Board. As a School Governor, you will play a vital role as a “critical friend” — supporting and challenging the leadership team to ensure the best possible education and care for every child.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and upholding the school’s strategic direction, vision and Christian ethos.
• Holding the Headteacher to account for educational performance and pupil wellbeing.
• Ensuring the school’s financial and property resources are effectively managed.
• Serving on one of our two key committees alongside Full Governing Board Meetings: Finance & Property, SEEC (Safeguarding, Education, Ethos & Compliance)

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Safeguarding and child protection
• Early Years education and development
• Communication, marketing or stakeholder engagement
• Legal, compliance or governance
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach are essential

You can read the full role description here.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about education and would like to contribute to Dolphin School’s continued success, please get in touch for an application form.
Contact Lynette Lonsdale at [email protected] or call 020 7924 3472. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check.

Vacancy: Independent Board Director with background in finance (pro bono position)

Location: Warwick and London

Description: IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) is one of the world’s most prestigious associations for school leaders.  It represents world-class headteachers, who lead world-class schools and is proud to work with its members as they deliver excellent standards of education and care to their pupils. IAPS offers personal and professional support to members with a professional development programme designed to develop leaders in their school settings.  There is an elite professional network across the globe and membership is a kitemark of quality demonstrating members offer the highest standards of education.

Founded in 1892 IAPS is the largest independent school heads’ Association in the UK. Throughout its history IAPS has relied on voting members, who are serving Heads, to govern the Association. At the Association’s AGM in 2022 members approved a change in governance so that a new Board could be created which began operating from 1 September 2023.  The Board is now made up of seven current full members of IAPS and five ‘independent’ appointees.  The Independent Board Directors will bring different professional skills to those naturally to the fore in school leaders.

There is currently a vacancy on the IAPS Board for an Independent Board Director who has a background in finance, with a professional qualification in an area such as accountancy or banking.  Applicants will be financially-qualified, and will bring a strong understanding of financial management. They may be a CFO or Finance Director, but could equally come from a variety of backgrounds so long as they have strong financial acumen and strategic level business leadership experience. The successful candidate will be able to leverage their knowledge of finance in a governance setting, challenging Board members when appropriate, and asking the right questions.

Above all, it is important to IAPS that prospective Board members are able to demonstrate empathy with the independent school system and, ideally, the work of IAPS.

Applications are therefore particularly welcomed from those who are Governors of independent schools. 

Board members will initially be appointed for a term of four years and, thereafter, may offer themselves for re-appointment by the Board for a second term in office for a maximum of four years.

IAPS is not a charity and Board members are company directors of IAPS, which is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital. Board meetings tend to follow a pattern linked to the academic year, though financially the budget is run through the calendar year. The Board normally meets once per term at the IAPS office in Warwick in the autumn term and in London in the spring and summer terms (time commitment is approximately 3 hours per meeting, plus any ad hoc needs). Financial details can be found at Companies House, but the Association is in a strong position with appropriate reserves and it owns its HQ building (part of which it sub-lets).

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the role please contact Tania Botting, current Chair of the IAPS Board, via [email protected].

How to Apply:  Expressions of interest are requested by email to [email protected] by the latest 15 December 2025 at 12noon.  In doing this please set out your area of professional expertise and why you think you have the skills, time and interest to commit to the role.

Please note that, should there be a large number of candidates, then a sub-committee of the IAPS Board may be considered to shortlist candidates. It should therefore be borne in mind by candidates that shortlisting may take place purely on the strength of their applications.  Shortlisted candidates shall be invited to attend an interview at the meeting of the IAPS Board on the afternoon of 19 March 2026, which will take place in London, venue to be confirmed.