Established in 1645, Cheam School is a distinguished co-educational independent preparatory school catering to children aged 3 to 13. Located on the Hampshire-Berkshire border, the School is conveniently situated just over an hour from West London. Cheam prides itself on delivering a complete education, nurturing pupils as they explore their potential, and fostering qualities of leadership, compassion, and responsibility.

Cheam School is a very special place that offers the brightest of learning environments. With a legacy that spans generations, Cheam's ethos is that each student is on a personal journey of discovery to uncover their unique talents and build the foundational skills essential for future success. The School's picturesque campus features ornamental gardens, woods, a tranquil chapel and a swimming pool, offering children a dynamic learning experience through flexi-boarding and Saturday school. Through a child-centred approach, Cheam ensures not only academic excellence but also a sense of purpose and values that transcend generations.

At Cheam, education extends beyond a curriculum, it's a dynamic journey towards an inclusive and contemporary schooling experience. Students are empowered to excel academically, with 95% securing their first-choice placements, and 30% of Year 8 students earning scholarship awards. Beyond academics, the school embraces a 'Sport for All' ethos, achieving notable success in U11 and U13 girls' hockey, U11 girls' netball, boys' football, equestrianism, clay pigeon shooting, and cross country. Notably, girls’ cricket is a particular strength. Furthermore, Cheam maintains a strong commitment to classical education, including Latin, Chapel Choir, and music. This diverse range of opportunities allows Cheam students to thrive in a holistic environment that balances academic rigour with a welcoming, inclusive approach.

In a rapidly changing world, Cheam School’s mission is to equip students with timeless values and skills that will serve them well in any endeavour. This dedication is reflected in Cheam's commitment to preparing students not just for their academic journey, but for life itself.

Cheam School is led by a Board of Governors which brings together a diverse set of skills, experiences and perspectives to set the strategic direction for the School. 

Board Governors at Cheam School provide strategic oversight and guidance, supporting the institution's mission and values. They contribute to decision-making, ensuring the School's excellence and sustainable growth, while championing educational standards and community welfare. In order to fulfil these responsibilities, they delegate day-to-day management to the Headmaster and senior management teams.

Cheam School is seeking an additional Governor with a senior legal background, equipped with practical legal expertise to offer guidance, support and constructive challenge to the broader Board. It is an exciting opportunity to join a reflective and analytical Board which is passionate about helping Cheam students thrive and succeed in life.

Candidates should possess a diverse legal skill-set, encompassing a proactive approach to addressing routine issues with a legalistic perspective. They should bring practical legal expertise, potentially gained from in-house roles, reflecting a strong business acumen. Candidates may hold the position of General Counsel in a high-performing commercial organisation or be a Senior Associate or Junior Partner in a prominent law firm, with a penchant for taking action and providing a fresh perspective. Their own network and connections, along with ambition, forward-thinking, and boldness, will be valuable assets. Additionally, the ideal candidate should balance self-confidence with self-awareness and value collaboration and patience. They should also be a keen listener, attuned to nuances, to contribute effectively to the Cheam Board's deliberations.

The Cheam Board embraces the power of having diverse perspectives around the Governing Body. Therefore the Board strongly encourages individuals from different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds to apply. Less experienced but high potential individuals with no non-executive experience are also encouraged to apply. Above all, the successful candidate will bring a passion for education and enthusiasm for both the ethos and community of Cheam School. 

Please note that the Board will not be considering current parents for this role, and if you have any connections to the School or to any other school in the area please mention this in your application (this alone will not affect your candidacy but it is helpful for the School to know).

A full list of the current Board of Governors can be found here.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets three times a year, once a term. These meetings are held in person at the School, usually in the afternoon. Currently two of them are preceded by a Governors’ Morning during which Board members attend classes, meet teachers and pupils and join School lunch. There are four Board sub-committees, for Finance & Operations; Teaching & Learning; Pastoral & Wellbeing; and Marketing & Admissions. The successful candidate would be expected to join one of these sub-committees also; scheduling of sub-committee meetings is designed to be as flexible as possible i.e. at convenient times of day, with attendance either virtually or in person. The total time commitment for this role is expected to equate to three to five day equivalents per year, comprising one or two full days, one or two half-days and occasional 1-2 hour in-person or remote sessions.

Cheam School is based on the Hampshire-Berkshire border in South-East England. Board meeting are held on School Campus, whereas Sub-committee meetings are held either virtually or in person.Candidates will therefore ideally be UK-based.

Cheam School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from different age groups, faiths and ethnic minority backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.