Box Hill School - Governors

Box Hill School is looking for two new Governors, one with senior-level primary / secondary / higher education experience, and the other with senior-level estates / property expertise, to join the Board. (Deadline: 17th February)

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About

Box Hill School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11-18 near Dorking in Surrey.

As a founder member of the Round Square Association of Schools, Box Hill follows the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn and lives by his ‘IDEALS’ (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental concern, Adventure, Leadership, and Service). These are applied every day in the classroom and across a vast range of extracurricular activities and bi-annual expeditions, including pupils carrying out service projects in South Africa, and exchanges with other schools.

A third of the School's students are from the international community, which reflects the outward-looking and international focus which Box Hills strives to maintain. The geographical, linguistic, ethnic and intellectual diversity of its pupils is an important part of its global ethos, and helps to promote a holistic and well-rounded education for all.

Moving forward, the School has ambitious objectives within its current strategy plan, including expanding Boarding numbers, invigorating the curriculum for years 7 to 9, improving the campus through capital investment projects, and reassessing the Round Square 'IDEALS' to ensure that the ethos underpinning the School remains relevant. This is an exciting time for new Governors to join Box Hill as they will play a significant part in the operation and delivery of both these objectives and education within the School.


Role specification

The day-to-day running of Box Hill School rests in the hands of the executive team under the Headmaster, Cory Lowde, the Senior Leadership Team and the staff. The Governing Body is responsible for advising on the overall strategic priorities and, where appropriate, guiding on particular areas of expertise. 

Governors ensure that there is a clear long-term strategy for the School, allowing the executive team to have the scope and confidence to handle the day-to-day challenges, while holding them to account. They will guide the Board as it tackles both short and long-term issues, providing constructive challenge and support to the executive team on how to deliver Box Hill's unique and wide-ranging education. It is also hoped that Governors will engage with school life beyond Board meetings, such as attending regular or ad hoc events.


Person specification

Education

Box Hill School is seeking a new Governor with senior-level primary / secondary / higher education experience to join the Board, for example as the Head or senior leader of either a state or independent school, or a senior leader from a University. The School is looking for candidates who have a clear understanding of its educational model, are sympathetic to the challenges of managing a school, and are able to provide strategic advice around educational and pedagogical best practice.

Education is a rapidly changing and challenging sector and the importance of delivering a contemporary, holistic education to students has never been more important. As an outward-looking school, Box Hill provides an active education that challenges pupils but where there needs to be a sharp focus on health, safety and well-being. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator, a natural collaborator, and an advocate for education, specifically Box Hill's mission and 'IDEALS'-inspired values.

Property/Estates

Box Hill School is seeking a new Governor with senior-level estates / property expertise to join the Board. The ideal candidate could have gained this expertise as, for example, a senior surveyor, architect, property manager, or as a real-estate investor.

This is an exciting role as the new Governor will deal with complex listed buildings, and guide the School towards achieving broad sustainability targets, such as carbon neutrality. Box Hill is open to hearing from applicants of a variety of different backgrounds who can add value to this role. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator, a natural collaborator, and an advocate for education, specifically Box Hill's mission and 'IDEALS'-inspired values.


Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are four Board and three Committee meetings annually, with the majority done via Zoom. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed for a maximum of four years at the discretion of the Board.


The deadline for consideration is 17th February 2022.

If you would like to register your interest in either of these roles, please fill in the form below. A member of the Nurole team will be in touch ahead of the deadline to let you know whether it would be worth submitting an application and to discuss the process further.