The Seckford Foundation, a distinguished charitable organisation based in Suffolk, is renowned for its unwavering commitment to education, social care, and community enrichment. With a rich history spanning over 400 years, the Seckford Foundation has established itself as a pillar of support and opportunity for individuals and communities in the region. As the Foundation and the School continue to evolve, the Board is excited to welcome new Governors to help guide this renowned institution through the next phase of its history.

The Foundation's core mission is to promote and support the education and care of the young and the elderly in and around the town of Woodbridge and the county of Suffolk. It operates:

• Woodbridge School, a leading co-educational independent school for children from 4-18, recently rated as “Excellent” in all areas by the Independent School Inspectorate in 2023; and
• Seckford Care, which provides person-centred housing, support and care in beautiful and historical surroundings and rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission since 2016

Woodbridge School fosters a holistic learning environment, seamlessly blending academic excellence with a commitment to personal development. Nestled in a picturesque town setting, the school provides a vibrant and supportive community where students are encouraged to explore their passions and reach their full potential.

Beyond the classroom, Woodbridge School shines in its commitment to extracurricular activities. Whether in sports, arts, or community service, the school provides a diverse range of opportunities for students to discover and nurture their talents. The school culture promotes diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect, creating an environment where students feel supported and encouraged to express themselves.

Woodbridge School is dedicated to preparing students for global citizenship. Through international programs, cultural exchanges, and a forward-thinking curriculum, the school instills in students a sense of responsibility and a global perspective, preparing them to navigate an interconnected world. The School was recently awarded Secondary School of the Year at the EADT Suffolk Education Awards 2023.

The new Governors will bring to bear expertise which will primarily benefit Woodbridge School, however, by joining the Seckford Foundation board all Governors have the opportunity to help manage and influence an organisation which spans education, community and care.

Governors are responsible for the overall management and control of The Seckford Foundation, including both the education and care activities, holding ultimate control of and responsibility for the strategic direction and management of the Foundation.

They do this by:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Ensuring that the Foundation is carrying out its charitable purposes in line with its aims and objectives, charitable objects and for public benefit
• Holding executive leaders to account for the financial and operating performance of the Foundation and each of its activities against agreed plans, including staff development and wellbeing
• Educating, caring for, safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults
• Establishing a clear and effective approach to support equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation
• Ensuring compliance with inspection regimes and all legal and regulatory requirements

As Woodbridge School continuously looks for ways to improve its excellent educational offer, the next Education Governor will provide appropriate constructive challenge to existing norms and propose changes to ensure that governance is both appropriately supportive and effective. Acting as a critical friend to the Head and the wider executive, the Education Governor will provide high challenge and high support, as well as bringing new ideas and best practice to the fore to be discussed at both committee and full board meetings. With excellent communication skills, the Governor will be able to make use of a wide range of information and data to inform their viewpoints.

The successful candidate will be expected to join the Education Committee.

As it looks towards the future, The Seckford Foundation seeks a new Governor with expertise in educational leadership to strengthen the Board. Candidates could come from a range of educational backgrounds. The Foundation is open to those with experience in either primary or secondary education, and candidates will ideally bring that experience from the independent sector.

Successful candidates will be a senior education leader in a high-performing school or across a number of schools. They may be a current or former Headteacher, or Senior Deputy of a successful school, or an Executive Headteacher working across a group of schools. An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent sector would be particularly useful.

The successful candidate may also come from the world of tertiary education. In this case the successful candidate will be a senior education leader who has strategic-level experience in the higher education sector. This individual may be either an academic or a university administrator. They will have a deep understanding of the university admissions processes, ideally for both UK and overseas universities, and broad and current knowledge of the qualifications landscape. This individual will be able to advise the school and its pupils on university admissions, and the different educational pathways that might lead to a university education.

Ideally candidates will have some prior Board experience. For applicants for whom this will be a first time board position, they will be able to demonstrate a familiarity with good governance by virtue of being a regular board observer or contributor.

In order to curate a balanced board, the Foundation is keen to encourage applications from women as well as a diverse range of candidates from all cultural or socio-economic backgrounds. Due to the current composition of the Board, the Foundation does not wish to consider applications from parents of Woodbridge School students at this time.

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

This is a unremunerated role, although reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed. The Board of Governors meets approximately six times a year, and the Education Committee meets a further three times per year. Governors may be called upon to contribute ad hoc advice or input on projects, and there is an expectation that they will visit the School at least once per term to undertake Governor visits.

The Seckford Foundation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority background 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.