Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Surrey, Danes Hill School provides more than 700 children with an enriching and rounded education. Situated in 55 acres of landscaped grounds in the village of Oxshott and with a rich heritage spanning over 70 years, Danes Hill School has earned a reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the region, providing an exceptional educational experience.

Danes Hill is committed to nurturing the intellectual, social and emotional growth of each and every student. Covering the nursery, pre-prep and prep age groups, the School is focused on serving the individual needs of each child, aiming to provide a broad-based education with sufficient support and resources available for both more and less academic pupils to achieve their full potential. Danes Hill children are also encouraged to take every opportunity to develop sporting, musical, dramatic and other non-academic talents and interests.

Danes Hill takes pride in the development of well-rounded and confident individuals. With an equal balance of boys and girls in the student body, the inclusive community promotes a supportive and nurturing environment, allowing students to thrive and reach their full potential. Pupils are always encouraged to be tolerant and supportive of others, and there is a strong emphasis on charitable giving and fundraising which might range from support for an individual child’s fund-raising efforts, to a major event such as a sponsored walk, involving the whole school.

With a number of new Governors recently joining the Board, Danes Hill is poised to shape out a strategy for the coming years focused on continuing to provide the best possible education and environment for its pupils as they grow up.

Following a dedicated tenure, the Governors are seeking a new Chair to succeed Katy Cornish. The School has an ongoing commitment to evolving a professional and passionate board, and it is hoped that the next Chair will embody these key qualities as well as having an affection for independent education combined with strong commercial and strategic skills.

Serving as a leader within the Governing Body, the Chair of Governors ensures that the Governors fulfil their responsibilities for the proper governance of Danes Hill School. This includes securing the long-term future of the School, maintaining the highest standards of governance, and supporting or challenging the Head on behalf of the Governing Body. The Chair acts as a guide, emphasising the importance of adhering to established guidelines, collaborating constructively with the Head without delving into day-to-day management, and fostering an open and fair decision-making process within the Governing Body.

The Chair leads the Governing Body in its responsibility to oversee the strategic direction of the School, monitor performance and risks, and ensure regulatory and legal compliance. They ensure the governance structure is effective, delegating authority appropriately, and ensuring access to necessary skills and external expertise. Additionally, the Chair is instrumental in promoting the proper conduct of Governing Body meetings, fostering consensus, and reflecting on the body's effectiveness in delivering the School’s charitable objectives. The Chair also supports and holds the Head accountable by facilitating performance appraisals, providing professional development opportunities, and challenging the Head constructively in the best interests of the School. In essence, the Chair’s multifaceted role encompasses strategic oversight, governance enhancement, and fostering collaborative relationships to ensure the long-term success of Danes Hill School.

For further information about the Board and the School, please click here.

With Katy Cornish due to complete her tenure, the Board of Governors now seeks an outstanding and committed individual to lead the Governing Body as the next Chair.

The ideal candidate will combine established chairing skills gained in a substantial board role with a passion for the transformative impact of a modern independent education.

Applicants who have not been a chairperson must have held analogous positions, such as Committee Chair, in which they have honed their chairing skills. The role would particularly suit someone with a facilitative and inclusive approach to leadership; someone able to maintain a strategic perspective while empowering others.

The strongest applicants will be outstanding communicators with the ability to engage with, and celebrate, the full breadth of the Danes Hill community, which includes pupils, parents, alumni and benefactors, both in the UK and overseas.

Candidates need not have any experience in the education sector but they must demonstrate an affinity with modern independent education and an understanding of some of the challenges as well as opportunities facing the sector. Applicants must feel they have the time, aptitude and passion required to serve the School as its next Chair.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board to a maximum term of nine years.

It is expected that this role will take up one day per week. This is not a prescriptive time commitment but is indicative of the time needed to do the role justice. The full board meets three times per year and the Chair may need to attend all or some committee meetings - to be decided. The Chair is expected to attend a number of major school events throughout the academic year and to spend time with various staff and school community members as needed.

The Chair may also be called upon for ad hoc advice or projects as necessary. Board meetings are typically held in the early evening and are generally in-person.

Danes Hill School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. 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.