Belhaven Hill School is a co-educational prep school set in the East Lothian region of Eastern Scotland. In 2021 / 22, the School launched a small pre-prep department, extending its provision to pupils aged from five to thirteen. Just 45 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, the School is proud to be one of the last remaining full boarding prep schools in Scotland (accommodating more than half of Scotland’s primary age boarding pupils) as well as offering day places to children from the local area. 

Now in its centenary year, Belhaven has a vibrant and proud history. Established in 1923, the School has transitioned from humble beginnings with just a handful of pupils and two staff in an old private house on Belhaven Hill, to become a leading example of contemporary education rooted in traditional values. Located in 20 acres of beautiful grounds, Belhaven has an idyllic, coastal setting. Every child enjoys regular Outdoor Education lessons and staff make the most of the School’s location to foster a love of the natural world and encourage the pupils to think creatively.

Belhaven Hill is intentionally non-selective and while maintaining high standards academically aims to offer a holistic education that enables all its pupils to develop to their full potential in a caring and supportive environment. The School has an exceptionally well staffed and resourced learning enhancement programme, as well as the facilities and teaching to challenge gifted and talented pupils. The curriculum at Belhaven blends the opportunities to be gained from its fine coastal location as well as learning facilities such as a state of the art music school, and a Makerspace with coding and robotics equipment. Across every age group there is a focus on attaining academic excellence and many of the School's leavers go on to win scholarships (academic, music, art, sport and all-rounder) to many of the UK's top performing senior schools following Common Entrance. The School’s Centenary has provided an opportunity to reconnect with the wider Belhaven community of alumni and former parents and to build a successful fundraising campaign around planned investment in both capital projects and bursaries.

Under the leadership of Olly Langton (appointed in 2020) the School has gone from strength to strength. The Board of Governors and the Head have formed a strong partnership and a strategic plan has been established. Looking to the future, the School has some key developmental pillars including the continued focus on computer science and digital literacy for all, the establishment of a renewed bursary program to underpin the School's existing and substantial public benefit offer, as well as growing the pupil roll. The next Chair will build on this strong relationship, and will continue to empower the Executive to lead the school and guide the strategic direction of Belhaven Hill in a way that preserves its ethos and values, and enhances the Schools reputation.

Belhaven Hill Prep School seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Governors and guide the overall strategic direction of the School. The Chair will also act as an ambassador, representing the School to external stakeholders, including Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.

The Governors of the School are its trustees for the purposes of charity law and its directors for the purposes of company law. The role will encompass acting as Chair of Belhaven Hill School Trust Ltd. The Chair will lead the Board in its execution of the following three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Supporting the Headmaster and overseeing the educational performance of the School and the wellbeing of its pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the School and making sure its money is well spent

Later this year, Camilla Gray Muir will be stepping down as Chair of Belhaven Hill Prep School having come to the end of her term. The Board of Governors is therefore seeking her successor.

The successful candidate will be a committed and inclusive leader with a strong connection with the values and ethos of Belhaven Hill Prep School, and an advocate for independent boarding education in general. Drawing on significant strategic-level experience, gained in any environment, they will fundamentally understand the role of the Board of Governors in supporting, challenging and enabling the executive team in the execution of its strategy. Applicants do not need to have prior experience in the education sector, however they must clearly demonstrate an interest in education and young people, and previous experience as a governor would be helpful. An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent education sector would be beneficial, but not essential.

Above all, applicants must be sympathetic towards the unique educational values of the School, and commit to embodying those values as an ambassador for the School. First-time Chairs are encouraged to apply, however some level of board experience is expected.

A full list of current Board members can be found here.

There are three main Board meetings per year (one per term), one of which is a strategy day. The Chair will also be expected to sit on the Finance Committee and the Charity & Governance Committee, both of which meet an additional three times, and has a right of attendance at the Education & Welfare Committee. All meetings take place during the working week, usually in the afternoon; main Board meetings happen in person at the School, whereas Committee meetings take place online. The Chair will also be expected to keep in regular contact with the Headmaster. 

The appointment is for an initial three-year term which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed. 

Belhaven Hill School Trust Ltd. (known as 'Belhaven Hill School') is a Scottish Charity, SC007118, registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). 

The appointed candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory record check through Disclosure Scotland’s Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme at Enhanced Level. If you have been working outside Scotland you should also provide details of your most recent DBS (or equivalent) check in your current jurisdiction. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pro-forma containing a set of safeguarding-related questions. 

As the Chair will need to spend time at the School, it is preferred that they live within two hours' travel of the site in East Lothian. However, candidates from further afield are welcome to apply, provided they are prepared to travel for Board meetings and regular school visits. 

Belhaven Hill Prep School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.