Welcome to the AGBIS Governor Vacancies Board
This board is for 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.
You can also visit our Clerk Vacancies Board.
There are currently vacancies in the following Schools:
Danes Hill School
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 23rd March.
Canbury School, Kingston upon Thames
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, 20th of May 2026.
Port Regis, Dorset
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 10th 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.
Roedean School
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
Pownall School
Vacancy: Governor
Location: Cheshire
Description: Pownall Hall School is seeking to appoint a voluntary EYFS Governor to provide strategic oversight of our Early Years Foundation Stage.
The role focuses on ensuring that our EYFS provision delivers high‑quality education, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, and remains inspection‑ready. It involves meeting periodically with the Head of EYFS, carrying out occasional monitoring visits, and reporting to the Governing Body on safeguarding, compliance and educational quality. This is a strategic role and does not involve day‑to‑day management.
We welcome interest from individuals with experience or enthusiasm for early years education, childcare, safeguarding, leadership or governance. Full training and induction will be provided, and previous governor experience is not required.
● Term: 4 years
● Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
How to apply: For further information or an informal discussion, please contact the Clerk to Board of Governors [email protected] Closing Date – 30th June 2026
Sibford School
Vacancy: Governor
Location: Oxfordshire
Description: Sibford School is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. As such, our governors typically serve dual roles as trustees of the charity and directors of the company.
Governors set the strategic vision, constructively challenging current processes and using 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 our children’s education. Previous governance experience is an advantage but is not required as training will be made available.
Why become a Governor?
Serving as a Governor of an independent school is not only a responsibility - it is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the life of our whole school community.
The role: As part of our Governing body, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful contribution to the life of our school and the wider community.
- Gain valuable experience in governance and leadership.
- Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and community members.
- Enjoy personal and professional development opportunities
We are looking for specific skills based on our strategic needs and current vacancies within the Board.
About you: We are particularly interested in recruiting new Governors with the following experience:
- Finance and Accounting
- Early Years, Primary or Secondary Education
- Marketing
- Health & Safety
- Human Resources
- Commercial or Corporate Leadership
Governors are required to:
- Along with fellow Governors and school leadership to set and review the strategic vision and priorities of the school
- Provide constructive challenge and support to ensure the school delivers excellent education and pastoral care
- Support the school through the process of ISI independent school inspections
- Uphold the values and ethos of Sibford, ensuring compliance with governance best practice and statutory requirements
- Oversee key areas such as finance, marketing, legal matters, or human resources (depending on your expertise).
Being a Governor requires commitment and dedication. Members of our Governing body are asked to:
- Attend a minimum of 6 meetings per year - sometimes online and sometimes in person
- Review reports and background materials in advance of meetings
- Set aside time to visit the school during working hours and attend key school events
- Undertake relevant training and attend seminars or conferences.
- This is a voluntary role.
To view and/or download a candidate information pack please visit Work With Us - Sibford.
If you are ready to take on this rewarding role please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest to [email protected]. To arrange an informal discussion about the role of Governor at Sibford School, please email [email protected] who will be able to arrange a convenient time for a discussion with the Chair of Governors.
All School Governors undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring) check, Prohibition from Management Check and are required to provide two professional referees.
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Sibford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is permitted to ask prospective Governors to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application.
Interested in Becoming a Governor?
A number of independent schools are currently seeking new governors. Browse the opportunities above and apply directly to the schools that interest you. If you're passionate about education and keen to contribute your expertise, AGBIS can also support your journey.
We maintain a list of individuals who have expressed a genuine interest in becoming governors, which is made available to our member schools. If you’d like to be considered, please complete our Statement of Interest Form
Your details will be shared with member schools looking for governors whose skills, experience and enthusiasm match their needs.