Frensham Heights School is an independent school for pupils aged three to 18 located near Farnham, Surrey. With its roots in the Progressive Education movement of the early twentieth century, Frensham aims to empower tomorrow’s changemakers to find their inspiration today through a transformative education.

Founded in 1925 by educationalists who were passionate about offering an alternative style of education with the child at its heart, today Frensham continues to challenge educational norms. A progressive approach to education transcends the school years and aims to prepare each child for their future. Students are asked to be active participants in their learning, challenging themselves and taking risks. They're asked to question and explore - to develop as individuals, as part of the school community and as engaged citizens of the wider world. The curriculum is intentionally broad to offer each student both a thorough grounding in a diverse timetable of creative, scientific, physical and theoretical subjects, but also to give them each the chance to find their own passions and interests. Subjects are interwoven, giving a depth of understanding and experience that is often lacking in a more traditional curriculum. Keeping an eye on the future, the School is exploring an alternative, innovative curriculum that will be focused on relevant skills as the world continues its journey towards a more sustainable economic model, with human service at its heart.

One of the real differences about Frensham is its open, equal environment. Guided by its four core values - originality of thought; spirit of togetherness; respect of individuality; courage to try - the School works hard to ensure children are comfortable in their own skins, and their own clothes. With no uniform, prefects or head boys and girls, everyone is on a level playing field. They can be who they are. Frensham's foundation of exceptional pastoral care thrives on the genuine relationships which develop between all members of the community - looking out for one another.

The next few years will be exciting for Frensham. In 2025 the School will celebrate its centenary, an opportunity to celebrate its history and enduring values, while continuing to articulate its vision for the future of education, and of the School. Growth is high up on the strategic agenda, and there are significant opportunities to continue to expand the numbers of both day and boarding pupils.

The Chair leads the Board of Governors in its responsibilities to:

• Secure the long term future of the School
• Ensure the highest possible standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Support and, where appropriate, challenge the Head and executive leadership team to make the School the best it can be
• Ensure the proper and efficient conduct of governor meetings

Next year, Bill Bird will step down as Chair of Frensham Heights School following three successful years in the role. The Board is therefore looking for an experienced leader to become its new Chair. The successful candidate will guide the Board and support the School through its next exciting chapter.

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking, progressive and inclusive leader. Although they do not need to be an educator (although educators are welcome to apply), they will have a strong, demonstrable passion for education and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent schools sector in particular. 

Both first-time and experienced Chairs are welcome to apply, however applicants will ideally have sat on the Board of an educational institution and will likely have chaired committees if they do not have Chair experience. They will be a strong communicator and advocate for the School.

Above all, applicants must be committed to upholding and representing the unique values of Frensham Heights. The School seeks someone with an open, inclusive, consultative approach to chairing. 

As the Chair will need to spend time in the School, it is preferred that they live within 90 minutes travel of it, and ideally will know the area well. The Board is particularly interested in individuals who have no prior connection to the School. 

A full list of current Board members can be found here. 

There are three full Board meetings per year (one per term). These take place in person on Saturdays and last approximately half a day. Additionally, the Chair may attend any of the three Committees (Finance and General Purposes; Education; Governance, Nominations and Remunerations), which meet once per term on weekday evenings. There is also an annual strategy day which usually takes place in October. Further ad hoc engagement is expected. The appointment is for a renewable three-year term. The role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed, expenses will be reimbursed.

The School is based in Farnham, Surrey, and candidates will need to live within 90 minutes travel of the School to perform the duties of Chair effectively.

Frensham Heights 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 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.