Chair of Governors in London

This is an exciting time to join us as Chair of Governors on the local governing body for the Ark Priory Primary Academy. You will join a close-knit community of enthusiastic governors, teachers, senior leaders, pupils and parents, with guidance and support from the central team of experts at Ark Schools.

The Chair must provide the local governing body with a clear lead and direction, ensuring that the governors work as an effective team and understand their own roles. The ideal candidate will have some experience in school governance (although this is not essential), or alternatively will have demonstrated leadership skills in a board or committee setting.

The Chair will:

• demonstrate alignment to the purpose, values and beliefs of Ark Priory Primary Academy,
• work closely with the Regional Director and Principal to promote and maintain high standards of educational achievement by offering support, challenge and encouragement;
• ensure that the local governing body monitors the delivery of the vision, ethos and strategic direction for the school;
• utilise your personal and professional skills, experience and knowledge to lead the local governing body ensuring considered and sound discussions are held;
• delegate tasks across the local governing body so that all members contribute, and feel that their individual skills, knowledge and experience are well-used and that the overall workload is shared;
• ensure that the local governing body monitors and reviews the financial performance of the school and effective use of the school’s resources;
• support the vision and ethos of Ark Schools and work collaboratively approach the role within the delegated responsibilities as outlined in Ark's Decision Making Framework.

As well as an interest in and commitment to the education sector we are seeking the following personal attributes:

• An engaging style, providing ideas and solutions
• A willingness to commit the required time and effort
• Team focused with strong leadership skills
• High levels of integrity
• An ability to challenge appropriately

As Chair you should expect to commit up to two days per month to the role in term time but this is not necessarily time in school.

Ark governors are drawn from a range of backgrounds and bring their skills, life experience and work experience to the local governing body (LGB). Governors take on a link role and develop expertise in areas such as Safeguarding, Careers and Destinations, Finance and SEND. Ark provides general and specialist training to support governors, Chairs and future Chairs. The LGB meets five times a year.

We want our local governing body to include members with a broad range of experience, backgrounds and skills that not only reflect the community we serve but contribute to our long term goals and add real value to our strategic decision making. We welcome applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds and all appointments are made on merit following a fair and transparent process.

If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role please contact Katie Bird at katie.bird@arkonline.org. If you would like to be considered for the position please send an up to date CV with a covering letter explaining why you believe you would be suitable for the role via the button below.

The closing date for applications is Friday 8th May 2026 and interviews will be held in May/June. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will take over the Chair role in September 2026 (with a period of handover from the current Chair).

All Ark Chairs and governors are required to adhere to the Ark governors’ Code of Conduct, undergo an enhanced disclosure DBS check and make an annual Declaration of Interest. This may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.