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”.

Vacancy: Multiple Governors

Location: Weybridge, Surrey

Description: Due to the upcoming retirement of a number of Governors over the next two years, St George’s Weybridge is seeking to recruit several Governors with skills across a number of areas.

St George’s Weybridge is a leading independent co-educational Catholic day school in Surrey for girls and boys aged 2-18. It was founded in 1869 and has a distinctive Josephite ethos. Academically autonomous, the Junior School and College work together as one school, educating over 1,600 students across the two school sites. Both Schools had full ISI inspections in March 2024 and were fully compliant. 

St George’s Weybridge is proudly and unequivocally a school where children can learn and grow into kind, considerate adults who make a positive contribution to society. There is a perfect balance between the Junior School and the College, between academia, creativity and sport. Together with our Josephite ethos, these are what make St George’s unique – and what makes the children who leave us exceptional.

We have a vibrant, engaged and talented Governing Body.  It currently comprises 11 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience.  In recent years, we have evolved our meeting schedule to be a hybrid of both formats (in person and online) and timings (day and evening). These are scheduled at least 12 months in advance.

We welcome interest regardless of age or stage in career, as we continually seek to diversify our board. In addition, to preserve the balance mandated by our governing documents, we currently require new board members to be Catholic.

We warmly welcome you to apply for the position if you feel you have the requisite skills

How to Apply: Any expressions of interest should be made to the Clerk to the Governors Catherine Punt at [email protected]

 Vacancy: EYFS Governor

Location: Kent

Description: Nestled in the heart of Kent and yet within easy reach of London, Dulwich Cranbrook offers an all-encompassing day and flexible boarding experience to over 400 boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 16, all within 50 acres of stunning grounds. The School, together with Dulwich Prep London, is a subsidiary of Dulwich Preparatory Schools Trust.

The School was one of the first preparatory schools to move to co-education in the 1970s and its tradition of innovation has endured ever since. Following the recent opening of our phone-free Senior School, the expansion up to GCSE is an exciting next stage in the School’s development. Sophie Bradshaw was appointed as Head of School from September 2023 and a new Director of Finance and Operations joined in August 2024.

Dulwich Cranbrook is proud to offer a full spectrum of academic and co-curricular opportunities to its pupils, ensuring that excellence in the classroom is complemented by a fulfilling and varied programme outside it. We champion an individualised approach to learning – inspiring and supporting each and every child to fulfil their potential, and equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to navigate their own unique educational pathway. This educational philosophy is at the core of our offer, from Early Years right through to GCSE. Beyond the classroom, our vast and varied co-curricular programme gives every pupil the opportunity to discover their passions, find their strengths and personalise their week. It is a vital component of Dulwich life, in order to equip children with the skillset, confidence and drive to forge a future-ready path for themselves.

The School is now looking to appoint a new EYFS Governor to provide strong strategic oversight, support, and accountability for the delivery and quality of early years education within the Prep School section of Dulwich Cranbrook.

The Role

The role of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Governor is to provide strategic oversight, support, and accountability for the delivery and quality of early years education within the Prep School section of Dulwich Cranbrook. This role ensures that the school meets the statutory requirements of the EYFS framework and aligns with the School’s overall aims and ethos. The EYFS Governor is a member of the Education Committee.

How to apply

Download the candidate information pack.  We welcome applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, and appointments are made on merit following a fair and transparent process. If you would like to apply, please send your CV with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role by 31 July 2025 to [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed and you will be notified of the outcome of these discussions. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for interview (we plan to hold the first stage interviews online and the final stage on site at the School)

If you would like a confidential, informal conversation about the role, please contact our Clerk to the Governors.

Vacancy: Chair of Advisory Governing Body and various Advisory Governing Body members

Location: East Sussex

Description: We are seeking experienced and dedicated professionals to join our Advisory Governing Body (AGB) at our prestigious proprietorial school. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the school and ensuring its continued success. The AGB advises the Proprietor and school leadership team on key areas, providing expertise and support across various school functions. View full details here.

Why Join Us?
As a member of the Advisory Governing Body, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our school. You will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team that works closely with the Proprietor and senior leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the strategic direction of the school and support the development of our students and staff.

The Roles

Chair of the Advisory Governing Body
To lead the Advisory Governing Body (AGB), providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure the school’s vision and mission are achieved effectively.

AGB Member for Boarding
To oversee and advise on the welfare, safety, and quality of the boarding provision.

AGB Member for Safeguarding/Independent Safeguarding Advisor
To act as a critical friend on safeguarding policies and practice, ensuring that student welfare remains paramount.

AGB Member for Education
To oversee and advise on the quality of teaching, learning, and the curriculum offering across the school.

AGB Member for Facilities
To oversee and advise on the management, safety, and development of the school's physical resources.

AGB Member for Human Resources (HR)
To advise on HR strategies, policies, and practices that ensure the school attracts, develops, and retains high-quality staff.

Person Specification (for all roles):
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
•    Relevant professional experience in the field of education, boarding, safeguarding, facilities management, or HR.
•    Proven ability to provide expert advice and support at a strategic level.
•    Strong communication skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and support staff and leadership.
•    Commitment to the school’s ethos and ensuring the wellbeing and success of all students and staff.
Desirable Experience:
•    Previous experience in school governance or in leadership roles within an educational setting.
•    Experience within an independent or proprietorial school context is advantageous.
•    A qualification or specific expertise in the relevant field is highly desirable.

How to apply

For further details or to express your interest in any of the roles, please contact us at [email protected] or call 01424 813813 to discuss further. 
 

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: Chair

Location: London

Description: Forest School is looking for a new Chair who will join the Governing Council in this coming academic year and will then take up the post of Chair in September 2026 succeeding David Wilson whose tenure ends next year. The new Chair will work in close partnership with the new Warden to shape the School’s future and ensure its success. The successful candidate will be a strategic and visionary leader with substantial board-level experience and will be able to influence, mediate and inspire across a broad range of stakeholders. Forest welcomes applicants from all sectors, but they must have a commitment to the value of education and the ethos of Forest School.

How to Apply: Applications are being managed by Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist. You can find out more and apply here. To arrange an informal conversation or in case of any other queries, please contact [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: Governors with Legal/HR/IT skills

Location: Berkshire 

Description: Crosfields is a leading, co-ed, independent day school for children aged 3-16.  As the School continues to grow and a number of Governors are rotating off the Board at the end of their tenure, we are looking to appoint Governors from all backgrounds but are particularly interested in those with HR, Legal and IT experience to support the Senior Leadership Team and deliver strong strategic leadership.  

The Board of Governors currently comprises 15 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience. The Governing Board delegates key strategic areas to sub-committees responsible for Health & Safety, Education, Finance & Operations, Risk and Safeguarding. Meetings are a hybrid of in person and online and scheduled at least 12 months in advance.  

Previous governing experience would be beneficial but not necessary. We would be particularly interested in hearing from candidates with a background in operations within the Independent School sector.  

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

How to Apply: For an exploratory chat or to apply for the position please email [email protected], indicating why you would like to join the Governing body.