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 ground 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 School 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. Now is a fantastic time to join the Board, and to have a real hand in helping this beloved school go on to future success.

Danes Hill School has a very active Board of Governors, each of whom contributes valuable knowledge gained throughout their eminent careers, which range from the academic sector to the commercial environment. The Board's core functions include setting the school's strategic vision, monitoring its performance, and ensuring its financial sustainability.

The Board also ensures that the school adheres to legal and regulatory requirements and maintains its charitable status. Additionally, it appoints and supports the Head Teacher, sets the school's budget, and oversees major capital projects. The Board of Governors works alongside the school's executive leadership to ensure that Danes Hill provides a high-quality education and creates a supportive and inclusive community for its pupils, staff, and stakeholders. Through its oversight and leadership, the Board of Governors plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the school.

This appointee will join the Finance & Operations Committee, which meets three times a year.

Additional useful information can be found in the Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Governor (Finance)

With a view to ensuring a strong skills balance on the Board, Danes Hill is looking to appoint a financially-qualified Governor, with a professional background in finance, accounting or consulting. The school has an excellent Financial Controller in place, and this Governor will act as their critical friend, providing high-level oversight and challenge.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of financial statements and budgeting, and will be comfortable reviewing the performance of finance functions. They will have a good grasp of risk management and internal controls, as well as the ability to review financial reports and identify potential areas for improvement.

Governor (Health & Safety)

To round out the skillset of the current Governors, the Board is seeking a new Governor with experience of health and safety in a professional context.

The successful candidate will bring a broad awareness of the legal obligations regarding health and safety, including compliance, training and safe working practices. They will ideally have experience of working in a senior health and safety role or will have had oversight of health and safety in a general managerial role with this function reporting into them. Candidates will bring a practical mindset, whilst being able to advise the Board and senior leadership team on mitigating risk. They will be comfortable looking over risk assessments and asking the right questions to ensure confidence at Board level. Previous board-level experience is welcome but not a requirement. 

Previous board-level experience is welcome but not a requirement. In order to ensure a balance of perspectives, the Board would prefer to appoint Governors who do not have a current connection to the school.

For more information on Danes Hill's Governing body, please click here.

In addition to the three annual People, Governance and Risk Committee meetings, the successful candidate will sit on the full board, which also meets three times a year. Governors may also be called upon for ad hoc advice or projects as necessary, adding up to a total time commitment of roughly 10-12 days per year. Board meetings are typically held in the early evening and are generally in-person, but can accommodate a hybrid format where necessary. This is a voluntary role, but reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed. 

UK - South East