Governor

DURLSTON Help shape the future of Durlston School

Join our Governing Body

A rewarding opportunity to contribute your experience, insight and judgement to a school where children are known, valued and encouraged to fl ourish.

VOLUNTARY, NON-EXECUTIVE ROLE: A RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDSWELCOME

About Durlston

Developing Confi dence and Individual Talents

Durlston School is a community-focused independent school committed to helping children develop academically, socially and personally. We aim to provide an environment in which every child is recognised as an individual, supported to grow in confi dence and character, and encouraged to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Our approach brings together academic ambition, strong pastoral care and a broad range of experiences. Our values of respect, kindness, responsibility and confi dence sit at the heart of school life, alongside a belief in the importance of childhood, individual potential and a supportive community.

What Governors do

Governance is strategic, not operational. Governors work collectively with the Head and senior leaders to support and challenge the School’s direction, test proposals and assumptions, and help ensure that decisions are well-informed and focused on the best interests of pupils and the School.

● Contribute to the School’s vision, strategy and long-term development.

● Provide constructive challenge and oversight of educational outcomes and organisational performance.

● Help ensure that resources are used responsibly and that fi nancial sustainability is kept under review.

● Seek appropriate assurance on safeguarding, compliance, risk and the School’s policies and procedures.

● Bring relevant professional expertise to discussions, committees or focused pieces of work.

● Act as an ambassador for Durlston and support a positive, inclusive school community.

The opportunity

We are seeking new Governors to join Durlston’s Governing Body and help guide the School’s continuing development. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to children’s education and to the long-term strength and sustainability of the School.

We welcome expressions of interest from people with a wide range of professional and personal experience. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

● Education, teaching, school leadership, curriculum or pupil wellbeing

● Finance, accounting, business planning or commercial management

● Compliance, legal matters, risk, safeguarding or regulatory oversight

● Marketing, communications, admissions, customer experience or reputation

● Human resources, organisational development, property, digital or operational management

These are areas of particular interest rather than a checklist. We are keen to hear from thoughtful, committed people who can bring transferable skills, independent judgement and a genuine interest in helping the School thrive. Previous governor or trustee experience is helpful but not essential.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can bring an independent perspective to Durlston, informed by their professional experience, wider interests and involvement in the local or business community. The ability to approach questions with fresh eyes, off er objective judgement and contribute perspectives from beyond the School’s immediate community is especially valuable. While a connection to education is welcome, previous involvement with Durlston is not necessary; what matters most is a commitment to the School’s future and a willingness to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to its governance.

Above all, we are looking for people who are:

● Committed to children’s education, wellbeing and personal development.

● Able to think strategically, weigh evidence and exercise sound independent judgement.

● Curious and willing to ask thoughtful questions and challenge constructively.

● Collaborative, respectful and able to work as part of a governing team.

● Good communicators who can explain complex issues clearly and listen to diff erent perspectives.

● Discreet, dependable and mindful of confi dentiality and collective responsibility.

● Willing to learn about school governance and take part in induction and ongoing development.

We value a diversity of perspectives and experiences. You do not need to have worked in a school, and we encourage people who may not previously have considered governorship to get in touch.

Time commitment and support

Governorship is a voluntary, unpaid role. Governors should be able to attend regular Governing Body meetings, contribute to committee work where appropriate, read papers in advance and take part in induction and training. There may also be opportunities to visit the School and attend selected events. The precise time commitment and meeting schedule will be discussed with interested candidates.

Durlston will provide an induction and access to appropriate information and training to help new Governors understand their responsibilities and contribute with confi dence.

Why become a Governor?

This is a chance to use your experience in a purposeful way: to help shape important decisions, support a committed school community and contribute to the opportunities and outcomes available to children. The role off ers a rewarding perspective on education and the satisfaction of making a practical, lasting contribution.

Interested?

If you would like to explore becoming a Governor at Durlston School, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a short expression of interest outlining your background, the skills or perspective you could bring, and why the opportunity appeals to you.

Contact: [email removed]

Appointments will be subject to the School’s governance processes and any appropriate safeguarding and suitability checks.