Eastbourne College is a leading co-educational independent school, operating under a single charity together with its prep school St Andrew's. Together, the two schools offer academic excellence to approximately 1,000 pupils aged from nine months to 18 years in a superb coastal location.

Eastbourne College and St. Andrew's Prep are a community, and both pupils and the governing charity at large play an active role in the world beyond the school gates. The College is one of the founding members of the Coastal Schools Partnership (CSP), a group of maintained and independent schools whose mission is to collaborate on projects for the mutual benefit of pupils and staff. The charity as a whole is also committed to widening access through significant investment in bursaries, with a long-term target to increase its restricted and endowed funds from £11m to £30m. This year, 234 pupils (25% of the total student body) received some assistance with their fees through means-tested bursaries. This is supported by the Eastbournian Society that brings together former pupils, current and former parents, as well as current and former staff of both schools and other supporters. It also includes a legacy club, the Devonshire Society, which celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2023.

Educationally, the Charity's primary aim is to equip children to lead happy, fulfilled lives in a safe environment - to help "every child find their own superb". It operates on the basis of shared values: pursuit of excellence, integrity, participation, and kindness. Although a traditional school with a long history, Eastbourne College has a modern mindset with a penchant for innovation. Its diverse academic syllabus and exceptional co-curricular opportunities encourage pupils to be inquisitive, open-minded and find inspiration in everything they do. As a 'blue health school' situated in an enviable coastal location, enjoying the outdoors is a key part of Eastbourne College's commitment to its 'whole of learning' approach. You can explore the College's 2021-2022 Highlights Booklet to see just some of the achievements attained by its pupils last year. Also operating under the same charity, St. Andrew's Prep aims to prepare children for a fast-changing world by giving them lifelong-learning skills alongside leadership, enterprise and teamwork opportunities. It offers a broad education that provides opportunities for every pupil in all aspects of school life: academic, sport, performing and creative arts and social.

Having made considerable investments into its physical estate in recent years, the charity sits on exceptionally strong foundations as it looks to the next 5-10 years. It will continue to be a safe, stable, high-quality environment for families from nursery through to A-Levels.

Governors serve both as Directors and Trustees of the charitable company, which comprises both Eastbourne College and St Andrew's Prep. The two schools operate in close partnership, each with its own Head Teacher, and are responsible to the same Board of Governors.

As a Board, the Governors are responsible for setting the overall strategy of the charity and have statutory responsibility for key aspects of compliance, including safeguarding, and health & safety. Further, they seek to ensure, for all who have an interest in the charity, the maintenance of the distinctive ethos of both schools, and the delivery of its charitable objects for today’s pupils. In order to fulfil these responsibilities, they delegate day-to-day management to the two Heads and their senior management teams.

Beyond the general responsibilities of a Governor, the property role will require engaging with the College's COO and their team in the strategic development of the College's property portfolio. The College manages a large estate of c.100 acres, much of which sits within a conservation area. Currently, the property portfolio within the estate ranges from iconic Victorian buildings, to state-of-the-art 21st Century facilities and ageing housing stock. The Governor (Property) will bring their professional experience to the development and implementation of a strategy for this portfolio.

The marketing role will require working with the Board and the College's Executive Team in the oversight of the marketing strategy for Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep. The schools are well established as safe, stable, high quality environments. Both schools have record pupil numbers and are  looking to strengthen further their positions in the independent education market.

Governor (Property)

The successful candidate will, most importantly, bring an enthusiasm for both the ethos and community of Eastbourne College, and for the task presented in developing the College's property portfolio.

Candidates will be able to showcase experience of leading the strategic development of commercial property portfolios, likely within an asset management context. Experience working with residential property is desirable, although not needed. They will be able to work effectively with the College's COO to provide insight, guidance and oversight on property development at a strategic level. This will require knowledge on a range of different types of property projects; including refurbishment and maintenance of old buildings; maintenance of new facilities; and supporting the development of new plans with architects.

Previous experience working in the education sector is not required, nor is previous non-executive experience.

Governor (Marketing)

The successful candidate will complement the Board's existing strengths by developing an objective understanding of the education market, both in its current form and considering future trends. They will have experience developing brands at a strategic level, which will have been gained during a senior-level (executive or non-executive) career in marketing and communication. As opposed to operational marketing experience, demonstrable knowledge of how to develop and execute a vision for a brand will be the differentiating factor for the successful candidate. Candidates with previous non-executive experience, who are confident in a strategic oversight role, will be preferred.

While candidates will be able to demonstrate their enthusiasm for both the ethos and community of Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep, and for the task presented in developing further the schools’ reputation and market position, previous experience working with schools is not required. In fact, being able to bring experience in marketing and brand development from other types of organisation would be beneficial.

You can find out more information about the Board here.

There are three Board meetings per year - one per term - plus an annual strategy meeting. These are held in-person on the College's grounds. Additionally, there are termly Committee meetings for the College's eight committees. Of these, this Governor would be expected to sit on the Finance & Property Committee. Committees generally meet in a hybrid format, giving the option to join virtually.

Governors are also expected to engage with the Board and the College on an ad-hoc basis (such as attending extra-ordinary Board meetings or College events).

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

UK - South East (Eastbourne)

Eastbourne College actively seeks candidates who will add to the diversity of its governance, and 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 appointment process.