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.

Vacancy: Three Governors

Location: Kew, Southwest London

Description: Kew College Prep is a stand-alone co-educational prep school (nursery to year six) in Kew, Southwest London. Balancing a small, supportive and vibrant community feel with high academic attainment, each child is provided with a tailored learning programme, helping them to unlock their full potential.

There are currently nine serving Governors with a range of skills and expertise in Education, Finance, Law, HR, Property, Medicine and IT. Our Governors include parents of current and former pupils, professionals from the local community and education professionals based at other independent schools in London and Surrey.

The school has recently undergone a programme of modernisation and together with the senior leadership team, the Governors are now considering the school’s strategic direction and future plans.  In part to replace two Governors who are reaching the end of their maximum appointment term, we’re looking for three new governors who are keen to support the effective running of the school and help shape its future.

Governors are required to attend three full board meetings and three relevant sub-committee meetings each year (once per term). Two new Governors will join our Education and Welfare Committee, and one will join our Resources Committee. The school is a registered Charity and so Governors also serve as Trustees.

All Governors should have:

• Strategic leadership experience
• An understanding of the principles of good governance
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative team-based approach
• Critical thinking and sound judgement
• Commitment and a willingness to dedicate time throughout the year to undertake a range of duties in support of the school.

In addition, we’re specifically looking for people with:

• An education background at a senior level, and ideally experience in Early Years and/or familiarity with the 11+ system, OR
• General operational leadership experience gained in the education, public or corporate sector with a sound understanding of budgeting, governance, risk and people management.
• Experience in digital technology and AI

Please visit our website to learn more about the school.

How to apply: For further information and to apply please email Lucas Carlisle, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at [email protected]. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.

Closing date: Friday 27 March 2026

Vacancy: Chair of Governors

Location: Kent

Description: Pro bono, 3 Board meetings + Sub-Committee meetings + ad hoc engagement and events

Context

Kent College Canterbury is seeking a new Chair of Governors following the unexpected early step‑down of the current Chair due to ill health. This appointment comes at a time when independent schools are adjusting to shifts in pupil demographics and the introduction of VAT on school fees. These sector‑wide changes require careful long‑term planning and thoughtful strategic decision‑making.  Kent College remains a well‑established school with strong foundations; however, like many schools, it faces important choices about how best to adapt its operating model and maintain its position in a competitive and evolving market.

Role Specification

The Chair has two overarching responsibilities: leading the development and refinement of the school’s strategic direction, and leading and ensuring effective governance. In addition, the Chair will represent the school externally. Chairs often act as ambassadors for the school, supporting reputation, stakeholder engagement, and community relationships.

Strategic Leadership

The Chair will help guide the school through a period of strategic adjustment and forward‑looking financial planning. Key priorities include:

• Responding to demographic trends and the introduction of VAT on school fees
• Supporting the school in planning for sustainable pupil numbers and revenue
• Ensuring that long‑term financial plans, models, and investment decisions are robust
• Working with the College Executive Team (teaching and management) to position the school confidently within a changing educational landscape

Governance Leadership

Core governance responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations (including safeguarding and health & safety)
• Maintaining strong financial stewardship
• Fostering a constructive and supportive relationship with the Head and acting as the key link between the governing body and the Head. The Chair will acts as a sounding board, provide support, and ensure appropriate challenge while avoiding involvement in operational management.
• Ensuring an effective, well‑skilled Governing Body (of which there are currently 15 members)
• Upholding the Methodist ethos of the school

The Chair is an ex officio member of all Committees of which there are three covering Finance (with General purposes), Education Welfare and Standards and Leadership Governance and People.  The Chair will also liaise with MIST to ensure clear communication around the governance delegated to the School’s Board as laid out in the MIST governance manual.

Person Specification

Kent College seeks an individual with significant senior leadership experience who can help the school navigate a period of sector‑wide change.  Experience in the education sector, or a strong affinity with the values and benefits of independent education, is essential. Familiarity with the independent school landscape or its governance will be a significant advantage.

The successful candidate will:

• Bring experience in finance, organisational strategy, or long‑term planning
• Provide sound judgement and commercial awareness
• Offer clear, confident leadership through periods of demographic and policy change
• Have strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Bring non‑executive or governance experience (prior chairing experience welcome but not essential)
• Be aligned with the school’s values of respect, openness, acting justly, kindness, ambition, resilience, humility, and curiosity

In order to preserve clear governance boundaries and avoid potential conflicts of interest, applications from current parents cannot be considered.

Terms of Appointment

This is an unremunerated role, with reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to attend Board and Sub-Committee meetings (the latter at their discretion), as well as ad hoc engagement with the Head and key events. The Chair also serves as a Director of Kent College Enterprise Company Limited, which meets termly.  This company oversees the commercial actives of the college and currently has particular interests in the overseas and international aspect of the school’s development.

The Chair’s appointment is for a three‑year term, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of nine years.

Location: The successful candidate will be based within approximately 60 minutes of the School.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all members of staff and volunteers to share this commitment and abide by current safeguarding policy.

You can view all our Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection Policy at the link below: Safeguarding

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective governors regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better outcomes for our students. We also believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of different backgrounds work together, ensures better outcomes for all staff.

We take positive steps to ensure that our employees, students, stakeholders and contractors can enjoy an experience that is fair, equitable and free from discrimination in their dealings with us.

How to Apply:

For further information and to apply please email Richard Taylor, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: [email protected]. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.

Closing date

Friday 27 March 2026

Vacancy: Finance Committee Chair

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Description: Wakefield Grammar School Foundation (WGSF) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking individual to join its Board of Governors, with a particular emphasis on bringing additional financial expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of one of the oldest and most respected educational Foundations in the country.

Founded in 1591 to transform the lives of local boys through “good learning”, and pioneering in its commitment to girls’ education with the establishment of the Girls’ High School in 1878, the Foundation has a rich legacy of academic innovation, social mobility and community impact.

Throughout its 430-year history, children from all backgrounds have learned side by side, reflecting a diverse and inclusive community that continues today. As we bring our schools together under shared values and a strengthened identity as Queen Elizabeth’s, we remain committed to preparing young people for a rapidly changing world through academic excellence and an ethos of empowerment.

As a Governor, you will play a vital role in shaping the Foundation’s future. Working collaboratively with fellow Board members and the senior leadership team, you will support strong governance, provide constructive challenge, and help ensure that our strategic ambitions are financially sustainable and aligned with our mission.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with significant experience in finance, financial governance, or related fields. Your expertise will help oversee financial planning, risk management, resource allocation and long-term sustainability across the Foundation. Prior experience in the education sector is welcome but not essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic oversight and contributing to long-term decision-making.
   
• Bringing financial insight to Board discussions, ensuring robust stewardship of resources.
   
• Supporting effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
   
• Acting as an ambassador for the Foundation and its values.
   
• Working collaboratively within a diverse Board team to advance the Foundation’s vision.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in school governance. All appointments are made on merit, based on skills, experience and alignment with our values.

This is a voluntary role requiring attendance at scheduled Board and committee meetings throughout the year, alongside school engagement activities.

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

How to Apply: Please contact Jenny Cocker, Director of Finance and Operations and Clerk to the Governors for more information.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01924 231600

Join us as we build the next chapter of a Foundation shaped by history, driven by innovation, and united by a commitment to opportunity for all.

Vacancy: Governor

Location: Surrey

Description: As a governor of Vernon Educational Trust, you will be joining the school at an exciting point in its development. As some governors who have given exceptional service reach the end of their terms of office, there are opportunities for new individuals to join the Board and to support the school in its next phase of development. Alongside the new Head, Colin Baty, and his senior leadership team, the governors will make plans to shape the Trust for the future. For the 2025-26 academic year, we are looking for new governors to join the dedicated and skilled team. We are looking for skills and experience in:

•Admissions

•Fundraising

•Marketing

Candidates should have flexibility to attend meetings at different times in the day, demonstrate diligence in paperwork, show a strong belief in education's transformative power, and have a commitment to respectful, collective decision-making

Commitment: Preparation, participation and attendance at all full governing body meetings and at least one committee. Full governing body meetings are held three times a year, and committees will be three or four per year. Training and strategy meetings are also expectations, as well as participation in panels from time to time. We welcome all governors to attend events at the school when they can, and to be known members of the school community.  An overall time commitment is likely to be in the region of 10-15 days per academic year.

Salary/Term: This an unpaid role, but reasonable expenses may be claimed. Fixed term for three years in the first instance; this term can be extended for a further three years.

How to Apply: Please send CV and covering letter to the Chair via [email protected] Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a final closing date of 23^rd March.

Vacancy: One Governor

Location: Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey

Description: Canbury School is a stand-alone co-educational secondary school located in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. At Canbury, we believe every student possesses unique strengths and incredible potential. Our mission, "Embracing Difference – Harnessing Talent," reflects our commitment to recognising and nurturing these individual qualities in a supportive and enriching environment.

There are currently five serving Governors with a range of skills and expertise in Finance, Education, Marketing, Safeguarding, and Health & Safety. Our Governors include parents of former pupils, professionals from the local community and education professionals based at other independent schools in London and Surrey.

At an exciting time in the School’s history, Canbury School is looking to recruit new Governors to strengthen its experienced and diverse Board to place the School in the strongest possible position to meet the challenges of the future.

The Governors of Canbury School work collectively as a team. Together they are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the outstanding educational, pastoral and support service our students and parents expect. Governors are accountable for ensuring that the overall structure is fit for purpose and consistent with the School's charitable objectives. The Governors delegate the management of the school to the Head and Bursar, who, in turn, are supported by members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The school is a registered Charity and so Governors also serve as Trustees.

All Governors should have:

• Strategic leadership experience
• An understanding of the principles of good governance
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative team-based approach
• Critical thinking and sound judgement
• Commitment and a willingness to dedicate time throughout the year to undertake a range of duties in support of the school.

In addition, we’re specifically looking for people with:

• A background in education, ideally in secondary school education
• A legal background
• Experience in digital technology and AI

Please visit our website to learn more about the school.

How to apply: For further information and to apply please email Lusia Anindita-Beckman, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at [email protected]. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. Closing date: Wednesday, 20^th of May 2026.

Chair of Governors

Role Profile

Port Regis’ Governing Body, known as the Council of Management, consists of 14 Governors. It has five Committees reporting to it, each with its own Chair – Education, Wellbeing and Safeguarding, Governance, Finance and Marketing & Admissions.

The Council of Management is seeking to appoint a Chair of Governors to join its already strong team.

Start date

September 2026

Purpose of the role

The Chair of Governors will provide strategic leadership to the Council of Management and ensure that the school’s vision, values, ethos and long-term sustainability are upheld. The Chair will work in close partnership with the Headmaster and Bursar to support, challenge and hold senior leadership to account, while ensuring high standards of governance, compliance and educational excellence are met.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership to the Council of Management, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and accountability
• Working with the Clerk to the Governors, the Chair will set the agenda for the Council of Management meetings
• To Chair meetings ensuring that they are conducted effectively and inclusively
• To create an atmosphere of open, honest, inclusive discussion, fostering a supportive working culture amongst key stakeholders
• Lead the evaluation and ongoing development of the Council of Managements effectiveness
• Lead the Council of Management in setting and reviewing the school’s strategic direction, aims and values
• Ensure the school’s long term financial sustainability and risk management are robust
• Oversee governance of educational standards, pupil wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care
• Oversee key areas such as finance, marketing, legal matters, health and safety and human resources depending on expertise
• Ensure the compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory and ISI inspection requirements
• Support, advise and challenge the Headmaster in the delivery of the school’s strategy
• Lead the Headmaster’s appraisal process and oversee performance management arrangements
• Act as an ambassador for the school within the wider community and stakeholder groups
• Champion the school’s reputation, ethos and values
• Engage constructively with parents, alumni and other key stakeholders when appropriate
• Ensure clear governance structures, policies and delegated responsibilities are in place
• Work closely with the committee chairs to ensure effective committee operation
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are understood, prioritised and effectively monitored
• Lead succession planning for governors, including the appointment of future Chairs
• Attend some school events and monitoring exercises as requested

Personal Specification

• Significant leadership experience, ideally at board or senior executive level
• Strong understanding of governance, strategy and accountability
• Strong team player with the ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders and governors
• Excellent communication facilitation and decision-making skills
• High level of integrity, discretion and sound judgment
• Patience and a sense of humour
• Flexible and calm under pressure

Desirable

• Previous experience as a school governor or Chair
• Understanding of the independent school sector
• Financial, legal or educational expertise
• Experience of leading organisations through change
• The Chair would preferably be local to the school so that they can attend and actively participate in the Council of Management meetings, primarily face to face

Remuneration

• This role is a voluntary role, offering the rewarding chance to impact young people's education and shape their future
• Initial Term of Office – 3 years

General

• The job description is a general outline of the role’s duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the School develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as reasonably required from time to time
• The post holder will be required to adhere to the School’s policies and procedures as issued from time to time and available on the School’s compliance system, iAMCompliant
• Comply with statutory requirements for example the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Data Protection Act and School policies and procedures in this regard including carrying out and implementing risk assessments as required
• Adhere to the school’s training requirements

Application Procedure

If you feel you can meet the requirements of the post, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send initial expressions of interest to Clair Beaty-Pownall at [email protected] or via post to Port Regis, Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA at your earliest convenience and by 12.00, Friday 10^th April 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

Port Regis is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates, including candidates wishing to work flexibly or requiring reasonable adjustments.

Safeguarding

Port Regis School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Role: Safeguarding Trustee

Location: Brighton

Description: The Council of Roedean School (the governing body of the school) is seeking a safeguarding specialist to join it as Safeguarding Lead Trustee.

While Council retains the responsibility for safeguarding, it has a nominated board member to support it in reporting directly to Council on its duties to promote the wellbeing of children in its care as well as providing safeguarding leadership within the School.

This is a voluntary role. The right person would be coopted on to Roedean's Council as a full member of the Board.  Aside from the safeguarding expertise required of this role, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and different walks of life.

Expressions of interest should be made informally to the Clerk ([email protected]).

More information on Roedean can be found at: Home - Roedean