Kingston Grammar School is one of the most successful co-educational schools in the country. Founded in 1561 by Royal Charter and with roots back to at least the 13th century, Kingston Grammar School is an independent day school for pupils aged 11-18. In the top 50 schools in the country, Kingston Grammar School boasts an outstanding academic record, exceptional pastoral care, and an extensive co-curricular programme with excellent facilities for Music and Drama. The School also has an international reputation for sport, being particularly strong in hockey and rowing, with a beautiful 22 acre sports ground and boathouse on the Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace.

Inspirational teaching and a deep commitment to pupil well-being mean that students grow in confidence and understanding, and individual talents and creativity are able to flourish within a highly inclusive culture. International GCSEs, Pre-U exams and Extended Projects interweave with more traditional examinations to produce an exciting and vibrant academic diet, designed to challenge expectations, foster independent working and to engage pupils in a love of learning. Students develop their skills and thinking in ways which give them the fullest advantage at university and their future studies, and the resilience and flexibility to make the most of the opportunities that come their way. Kingston Grammar School is proud of its achievements as a top 50 school, offering academic challenge within a particularly holistic and balanced culture that is enriched by a diverse and vibrant co-curriculum. Looking ahead, the School is currently in the process of evolving its strategy whilst continuing its emphasis on promoting individual student wellbeing. There will also be an exciting opportunity in the next 5-10 years for the School to take on substantive facility development with a capital project.

The Governing Body is responsible for advising on the overall strategic priorities and, where appropriate, guiding on particular areas of expertise.

Governors ensure that there is a clear long-term strategy for the School, allowing the executive team to have the scope and confidence to handle the day-to-day challenges, while holding them to account. They will guide the Board as it tackles both short and long-term issues, providing constructive challenge and support to the executive team on how to deliver Kingston Grammar School’s dynamic and outstanding academic record. It is also hoped that Governors will engage with school life beyond Board meetings, such as attending school events.

Governors (Finance)

Kingston Grammar School seeks up to three new Governors that can bring experience across General Finance, Audit and Risk and / or Investments and Assets to advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the School looks towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. These roles require an experienced leader with an ability to bring scrutiny to the Board and senior leadership. They will either have a strong track record in strategic financial planning, provide guidance on best practice with regard to audit, risk, compliance and assurance frameworks or bring experience of managing investment funds and monitoring and comparing its performance against market indices. Governors will provide advice to the Board and act as a critical friend to the management team, particularly the Director of Finance.

One of the Governors will likely chair the Audit and Risk Committee and another will chair the Finance and General Purpose Committee and will have a relevant financial qualification (or be qualified by experience). They will also act as a mentor and sounding board to the Head of Finance. Candidates will have held a senior leadership role within either a commercial, charitable or public sector setting and will have experience of managing similar budgets.

Given the increasing desire to have digital / technology expertise at Board level, Kingston Grammar School is also interested in hearing from applicants with a technology background. This could be someone with the above experience coming from a digital / technology company or someone who is a rising star with an entrepreneurial background in technology.

Kingston Grammar School is looking for candidates who are highly committed and share the School’s passion for educating students to enable them to reach their full potential, and ultimately shape society positively. As the Board is currently well-represented with Governors who have a connection to the School (either as a parent or alumni), the School now seeks Governors with no prior connection to Kingston Grammar School

Governors (Education)

Kingston Grammar School seeks a new Governor who will be an experienced Headteacher to advise the Board and executive team on various educational matters. They will bring an understanding of secondary education, either from an independent school or a state school to bring an external perspective. This person will also chair the Education Committee and will work closely with the Head of School to drive forward educational strategy. A second Governor could potentially be appointed if they brought complementary skills to the Board and someone with experience of international education or strong pastoral care background could be of particular interest. This person could be a Deputy Head Teacher looking to gain governance experience in a first-time role or come from a leadership role in an international education organisation.

Kingston Grammar School is looking for candidates who are highly committed and share the School’s passion for educating students to enable them to reach their full potential, and ultimately shape society positively. As the Board is currently well-represented with Governors who have a connection to the School (either as a parent or alumni), the School now seeks Governors with no prior connection to Kingston Grammar School.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Board meetings are held once a term (6.30pm-8.30pm), currently with meetings held in a hybrid model, either face to face or virtual. There is one Strategy Day and Governors are expected to join at least one Committee which are likely to stay as virtual meetings. Governors will also need to be available for occasional calls with Senior Leaders and to attend school events.