Edge Grove is a vibrant and thriving independent school catering to boys and girls aged 3 to 13 years. Situated within stunning parkland in Hertfordshire, only 15 miles from central London, the School nurtures a supportive community where students from diverse backgrounds feel a strong sense of belonging and pride.

Edge Grove is a forward-thinking community that blends tradition with modernity. The School is committed to innovation and continuous improvement and the core values of integrity, independence and inspiration feature as a continuous priority for its students. Prioritising academic excellence and personal growth, the School inspires students to seize daily opportunities in classroom, co-curricular, and pastoral activities. These experiences foster personal integrity, confidence, and independence ensuring students develop core skills for lifelong success and fulfilment.

With a creative and challenging curriculum an Edge Grove education ensures both academic success and personal growth through self-reflection, and building resilience across subjects. A focus on holistic education and personalised learning distinguishes Edge Grove as a popular and successful preparatory school with an ethos of discovery and hands-on learning. Many students go on to some of the UK's finest and most high achieving secondary schools including Harrow, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Wycombe Abbey, Merchant Taylors’ School, Haileybury and St. Albans School.

The School is developing a strategy focused on maintaining its commitment to providing the best possible education and environment for its pupils as they grow up. In light of this, Edge Grove is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Chair to lead it into its next chapter.

Serving as a leader within the Governing Body, the next Chair of Governors at Edge Grove will ensure that the Governors fulfil their responsibilities for the proper governance of the School. This includes:

• Overseeing the processes which will secure the long-term future and viability of the School
• Overseeing the strategic direction of the School; monitoring performance and risks, and ensuring regulatory and legal compliance in line with the School’s charitable objectives and those as directed by the Charity Commission
• Maintaining the highest standards of governance; including hiring new Governors to the board when necessary and making changes as needed; delegating authority appropriately, and ensuring access to necessary skills and external expertise
• Supporting the Head on behalf of the Governing Body
• Collaborating constructively with the Head and the wider executive where appropriate without delving into day-to-day management of the School
• Adopting an open and fair decision-making process within the Governing Body
• Holding the Head accountable by facilitating annual performance appraisals

Edge Grove is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Chair who will lead the School confidently into its next chapter. Candidates will bring strategic-level experience, gained in any sector, and act as a critical friend to the Head.

The successful candidate need not come from the world of education. Applicants from the wider world of business, professional services or commerce are warmly encouraged to apply. Those who have run mid to large scale businesses combined with existing board experience would be of significant interest.

The ideal candidate should bring:

• A dynamic and inspirational leadership style, complemented by a seasoned demeanour and gravitas
• Proficiency in people management along with a proven track record of effectively leading organisations and encouraging connectivity for success
• A supportive mentoring style, demonstrating flexibility in approach
• Deep experience of strategic leadership in order to contribute significantly to Edge Grove’s advancement and success
• The ability to confidently lead processes and objectively drive strategy while actively promoting Edge Grove as an ambassador

Above all, the successful applicant will be passionate about young people and education, and will share Edge Grove's commitment to both academic and pastoral excellence.

For more information about the Board of Governors, please click here. 

This is an unremunerated role, although reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed. There are three Governing Body meetings per year, scheduled at 5pm and an annual strategy day. The Chair will also be required to attend the Finance Committee, whilst attendance at other committees remains to be decided.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed up to three times at the discretion of the Board.

Edge Grove 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.