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:
- Palmers Green High School & Nursery
- Moon Hall School
- West Buckland School
- St Martin's School
- Fairfield School
- Port Regis
- Walthamstow Hall
- The Leys and St Faith's School Foundation
- Sir William Perkins's School
- St Mary's School, Colchester
Please use the links above or scroll down to view details of the current vacancies and how to apply:
Palmers Green High School & Nursery
Vacancy: Multiple Governors
Location: North London
Description: Palmers Green High School is looking to recruit new Governors and is keen to hear from individuals who are interested in helping to guide the strategic direction of the school.
Palmers Green High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4-16. The school 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 11 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience and includes former pupils. The Governing Body dedicates key strategic areas to sub-committees responsible for Education, Finance, Buildings, Risk and Health & Safety.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have a background in Finance or Buildings/Estate Management, but this list is not exhaustive by any means. No previous governing experience is necessary and we would welcome expressions of interest in anyone interested in the education of young people.
All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to enhanced DBS and full clearance checks.
How to Apply: To learn more about the role of Governor at Palmers Green High School please contact Mrs Leonie Barnard, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at [email protected].
Closing Date: On-going
Interviews: On-going
Moon Hall School
Vacancy: Governor
Location: Reigate, Surrey
Description: Moon Hall School, Reigate was founded in1985 and provides a supportive school environment for dyslexic children where expectations for diligence and achievement are high. We enable our pupils to take full advantage of their intellect and talents by learning how to manage their dyslexia. Our ethos is underpinned by the basic values of Tolerance, Courage, Respect, Resilience and Integrity. We practise and teach our pupils these values as well as those of democracy, diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome pupils of all religions and of none. We know that in the right environment and with the right support and encouragement, all our pupils are capable of achieving their potential, both in their personal development and academically. Our pupils are girls and boys, aged 7-16, from many of the Southeast counties. Pupils are encouraged to embrace their wonderful and often creative way of thinking and celebrate – not fear – their dyslexia. Our school’s primary purpose is to educate and support our pupils and to ensure their wellbeing. We can only achieve these objectives for our pupils with highly committed, professional staff. We aim to work as a collegiate organisation with mutual respect for and reliance on, the contribution made by each other. Our staff have the knowledge and expertise to help our pupils succeed and excel in the learning environment that we provide. Most have a specialist qualification in teaching children with dyslexia and all teachers of English have, or are working towards, a specialist qualification in Specific Learning Difficulties. The school has the highest level of CReSTed registration and we understand and know how to make a difference.
Our Executive Headteacher, Michelle Catterson, is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to a good education, particularly those with SEN, and is the current Chair of the British Dyslexia Association.
Moon Hall school is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, so Governors are also Trustees and company Directors. All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We are currently looking for a Governor to join our Board of Trustees who will help the school to continue to develop and thrive. No previous governing experience is necessary but if you have a background in IT and/or Accountancy, we would be particularly interested to hear from you.
Please feel free to contact our Bursar and Clerk to the Governors, Andrea Owens at [email protected] for an exploratory chat.
How to apply: Please forward your CV and a covering letter to [email protected] outlining why you would like to join our Governing Body.
West Bucklancd Shool
Vacancy: Chair of Governors
Location: Barnstaple, Devon
Description: West Buckland School was founded in 1858 to bring education to rural families and it is these principles of inclusion and social mobility which are at the heart of the West Buckland ethos. We have a strong history of internationalism, attracting students from all over the world. We take pride in our multi-cultural community in which everyone feels like family, with life-long friendships being formed which span the globe. West Buckland strives to help all students to be the best they can be, offering equal rights and opportunities whilst respecting different strengths, abilities and interests.
The Board of Governors are looking to appoint a new Chairperson upon the retirement of the current Chair in 2025. The Chair’s role is to ensure that the governors work as an effective team to provide the best possible support to the School and oversee the delivery of the school’s strategy.
We encourage interest from individuals with a background in any sector, most likely with previous non-executive or executive board level experience. They must be highly supportive of the school’s Aims and Values with an appreciation of the current pressures facing independent schools. A commercial mind set would be beneficial as the school looks to consider future opportunities.
How to Apply: If you would like a further discussion on the role, in the first instance please contact the Bursar and Clerk to the Governors, Claire Candlish at [email protected]
St Martin's School
Vacancy: Multiple Governors particularly Finance and Legal
Location: Northwood, Middlesex
Description: St Martin’s School is looking to recruit new Governors and is keen to hear from individuals who are interested in helping to guide the strategic direction of the school.
St Martin’s is a Preparatory School for 400 boys aged 3 to 13 set in 12 acres of grounds in Northwood, Middlesex with extensive facilities.
St Martin’s offers a wide range of core and specialist teaching and are focussed on academic success and personal development with a strong emphasis on pastoral care. Our teachers are motivated, inspirational and creative. They are focused on bringing out the talents and abilities of each boy, fostering his strengths and stimulating his appetite for learning.
St Martin’s prepares boys for a large number of Independent Senior Schools which include Merchant Taylors’, Haberdashers’, Harrow, Westminster, Eton, St Albans, John Lyon and Aldenham Schools. The school has an excellent record in recent years of academic, sporting, music, DT and all-rounder scholarships.
The school 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 11 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience and includes former pupils. The Governing Body delegates key strategic areas to sub-committees responsible for Teaching & Learning, Finance & Operations.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have a background in Finance/Accounting or Law. No previous governing experience is necessary and we would welcome expressions of interest in anyone interested in the education of young people.
All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to enhanced DBS and full clearance checks.
How to Apply: To learn more about the role of Governor at St Martin’s School and to discuss the process of appointment please contact Mrs Alison Curran, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at [email protected].
Closing Date: On-going
Interviews: On-going
Fairfield School
Vacancy: Governors
Location: Backwell, Bristol
Description: We are looking for enthusiastic governors with skills and expertise in the areas of finance, law/HR and education to help Fairfield succeed in the future.
Fairfield School is a co-educational school with pupils aged 2 – 11; our Governing Council is relatively small, as is our school (125 pupils).
We have recently undergone a successful inspection from ISI (June 2024) and the school has an excellent reputation in the local and Bristol area.
The Governing Council meets three times a year as do the F&GP and other sub committees.
Fairfield School is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, so Governors are also Trustees and Company Directors. All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Our school community has a family feel and governor attendance at school events, such as Prizegiving and Founders’ Day are valued and appreciated by staff and parents.
Further information about the school can be found on our website at www.fairfield.school.
How to Apply: Should you wish to apply for the role or require further information please contact Cathy Scott, Clerk to the Governors, on 01275 462743 or [email protected].
Port Regis
Vacancy: Finance Governor
Location: Shaftesbury, Dorset
Description: Port Regis’ Governing Body, known as the Council of Management, consists of 14 Governors. It has 5 Committees reporting to it, each with its own Chair – Education, Wellbeing, Governance, Finance and Communications.
The Council of Management is seeking to appoint an additional Governor to join its already strong team of Governors within the School’s Finance Committee.
We are looking for someone with practical financial acumen and business experience to complement a team of Governors who have successfully guided the School through the challenges of changes to the Teacher Pension Scheme (TPS); the pandemic; the introduction of VAT and the abolition of business rate relief, to emerge with a growing school and robust balance sheet.
Our Governors are appointed for a 3-year term which can be extended by mutual agreement for a further 2 terms. The successful candidate would need to attend 2 formal meetings per term and dedicate a few hours per week during term time to their role. They will be required to undertake relevant training before appointment and at regular intervals thereafter e.g. child protection, safeguarding and data protection. They will also be responsible for reviewing and approving key school policies and procedures at regular intervals.
Port Regis is both a registered company and charity. The successful candidate will become a director of the company and trustee of the charity with the relevant statutory obligations that those positions involve.
How to Apply: If you feel you can meet the requirements of the post, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a covering letter and CV to our Director of HR & Legal, Mrs Geraldine White or via post to Port Regis, Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA.
As part of the recruitment process, applicants will be required to complete an ‘automatic disqualification declaration’ for charity trustees. Please read our Safer Recruitment Pack and Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy (on our website) in conjunction with your application. All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to enhanced DBS and full clearance checks.
Walthamstow Hall
Vacancy: Chair of Governors
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
Description: Walthamstow Hall is a thriving girls' day school. One of the oldest girls' schools in the country, and certainly the oldest in Kent, the School has a long track record of excellence placing it high within the UK's top 100 schools. Walthamstow Hall offers a Dynamic Education. This is a fun, grounded school of boundless opportunity and passionate teachers. Pupils are empowered to flourish in an inspiring environment that cares for the whole person.
The Board of Governors currently comprises 14 Governors with a range of backgrounds and professional experience. We are looking for a Chair of Governors to lead the Board in its responsibilities to ensure the highest possible standards of governance. They will work closely with the Headmistress and Senior Leadership Team to achieve the long-term success of the School. Previous governing experience would be beneficial.
How to apply: All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to enhanced DBS and full clearance checks. Please get in touch with the Bursar Mrs Elizabeth Walsh at [email protected] in the first instance and a brochure and application form will be provided.
Closing date: Monday 6th January 2025
The Leys and St Faith’s Schools Foundation
Vacancy: Governors
Location: Cambridge
Description: The Leys and St Faith’s Schools Foundation seeks to strengthen and diversify its Governing Body by recruiting several new Governors.
The Leys and St Faith’s Schools Foundation exists to provide an outstanding all-round education to boys and girls in Cambridge from the ages of 4 to 18. Its constituent schools share a strong commitment to academic rigour, to a broad and stimulating wider curricular offering, and to the provision of excellent pastoral care. These shared elements are held to be fundamental both to pupils’ well-being and to providing a springboard for future success. Underpinned by shared Christian values, the Foundation promotes respect, equality, diversity and inclusion. The pupils are supported to develop their emotional intelligence, leadership skills, kindness, tolerance and respect for others’ beliefs and backgrounds, together with cultivating a keen sense of social responsibility and global citizenship. There is also an emphasis placed on shaping a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Within the Foundation, which is governed by one set of Governors, each school retains its independence and operates autonomously by having its own Governing Committee, its own strategy and its own executive team (Head, Bursar and Senior Management). Overseeing this structure, the Foundation is responsible for the strategy and finances of the Foundation as a whole, and for ensuring alignment between the constituent schools. These are made stronger and benefit mutually by working together, collaborating academically, pastorally, and in the wider curriculum. They work closely together in terms of admissions processes and through the sharing of resources.
The Governing Body wishes to recruit additional Governors for both the St Faith’s School Committee and The Leys School Committee and is particularly looking for individuals with a background/experience in one or more of the following areas: health and safety, legal, IT, business strategy. No previous governance experience is necessary and ongoing training will be provided.
How to Apply: For more information please contact the Clerk to the Governors, Katie Tween [email protected] - Applications will be considered by the Nominations Committee in the Spring term.
Sir William Perkins's School
Vacancy: Governor with professional experience in property management, surveying, or a related field
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 300th 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 property management, surveying, or a related field to enhance our current skills set and bring a new area of expertise to the Board.
The role:
As a School Governor with property and surveying expertise you will:
- Work with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to develop the strategy and direction of the School.
- Provide strategic advice on the maintenance, development, and improvement of school facilities.
- Support the long-term planning of school estates to meet the needs of students and staff
- Ensure that Governance of the School is effective, appropriate, and within the legal and regulatory framework of the independent education sector.
- Ensure sound financial management and investment.
- Provide support to the Head and Leadership Team while being prepared to challenge and question.
- Help oversee compliance with health and safety regulations and building standards.
Governors are expected to attend around three Governor Board meetings per year and, three Estates 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.
How to Apply: Interested parties should send a CV and covering letter to: Adrian Durand-Deslongrais, Clerk to Governors Sir William Perkins’s School - [email protected]
St Mary's School, Colchester
Vacancy: Governor
Details: St Mary’s School has been educating girls from Colchester and the surrounding areas since 1908 and as such has built a very strong reputation within our local community. Throughout this time, the school has grown in size and is now located on two sites. The Senior School is close to the town centre whilst the Lower School and Kindergarten enjoy a more rural location.
St Mary’s is a happy and thriving school and we are proud of each and every one of our pupils. We are proud of our diverse student population, and we are passionate to create a team of staff and governors reflective of this diversity.
The Senior Leadership Team at St Mary’s is small, and the positive and collective vision of the team has ensured the success of the school. Throughout its 115-year history, St Mary’s has benefited from the support and guidance of a highly committed Governing Body, which works with the School’s Senior Leadership Team to ensure that St Mary’s continues to provide a high quality education and a happy learning environment.
The Board of Governors comprises a combination of professionals, business leaders, members of the local community, former students, and the parents of former students, all of whom bring individual skills, insights, and experience.
St Mary’s 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. All Governor roles are voluntary and subject to an enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply: If you are interested in joining the Governing Body, please contact our Clerk to the Governors, Molly Terry: [email protected]