Nestled in a picturesque listed Jacobean mansion in Bletchingley, Surrey, The Hawthorns School is a co-educational day school welcoming students aged 6 months to 13 years. It offers a balance of tradition and modernity, where children cherish their formative years and cultivate a life-long love of learning.

At the core of The Hawthorns School's ethos lies the belief that a happy, nurturing community serves as the foundation for a child's growth and success. The School's principle ‘Happy Children Learn’ sums up the warm and caring relationships which support its unique educational and developmental experience, encouraging children to be curious and inquisitive, take calculated risks and make mistakes, yet still have the courage and self-assurance to have another try. This philosophy underscores their commitment to the enquiring mind and empowering self-belief among students.

The Hawthorns' holistic academic curriculum establishes high standards. It enables every child to excel and helps to foster pride in individual achievement. Anchored by the motto, "Love God, Love Thy Neighbour," the School is a compassionate community with collaborative working at its heart. In particular, the EYFS curriculum at The Hawthorns School provides a supportive and stimulating foundation for children aged six months to five years. It prioritises purposeful play, encouraging curiosity, independence, and character development. With a focus on individualised learning experiences and a rich variety of activities, it equips children with the essential skills and confidence needed for a successful transition to formal schooling.

The Hawthorns School is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its commitment to delivering exceptional EYFS provision. This year in September, the School launched its brand new state-of-the-art nursery facility, 'Little Thorns,' thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of busy working parents while upholding the same standards and principles which define The Hawthorns as a whole. In light of this, the School is now in search of a dedicated EYFS specialist to enhance the expertise of its esteemed Board of Governors.

The Hawthorns School is a charitable trust and is overseen by a Board of Governors made up of approximately 12 -14 Trustees who serve the School as volunteers with experience from a wide variety of professions, including independent and maintained sector education. 

The Board of Governors is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the school; its core functions include monitoring its performance, ensuring its financial sustainability and assuring the safeguarding and welfare of all children. Through its oversight and leadership, the Board of Governors plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the school.

The Hawthorns School seeks a dedicated and skilled Early Years Foundational Stages (EYFS) Governor, who is passionate about education and committed to providing every child with the best possible start in life.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong educational background, ideally as a senior and experienced teacher or Head of Early Years. Hawthorns' dedicated nursery, 'Little Thorns', and the younger years of its pre-prep stage are a core part of the School, ensuring that children have a strong foundation to build on as they move up pre-prep and on into prep. The Board is therefore keen to ensure that it has the perspective of an EYFS specialist involved in strategic discussions, who can bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this important stage of a child's development, as well as a close familiarity with the curriculum and best practices in early childhood education.

Above all, candidates will believe in the transformative power of education, and will share Hawthorns School's commitment to both academic and pastoral excellence. The Board is open to those looking to take on their first board role.

For further information on the Board of Governors, please click here.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There is one full Board meetings and one Education Subcommittee meeting per term, as well as two tours per year. Governors are expected to make themselves available to attend major school events or advise on ad hoc issues when possible, as well as making occasional school visits.

Governors are appointed for a three-year term which can be renewed with mutual consent.

The Hawthorns School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. 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.