At a Glance
- Tasks: Attend meetings and support the school in its mission to provide outstanding education.
- Company: Heathside Walton, a thriving Free School in Walton on Thames.
- Benefits: Full training provided and the chance to make a real impact in your community.
- Other info: Be part of a successful school with ambitious goals and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join an exciting project and help shape the future of local education.
- Qualifications: Passion for equality and interest in education; no prior governance experience needed.
Whilst the time commitment is not arduous, it is important that you are able to have the time to commit to the role. Typically, this will involve a couple of meetings every half term period, and the ability to support the school as ad hoc matters come up. Some daytime availability is highly desirable. Full training is given.
Are you interested in making a real difference in your local community and being part of an exciting project to develop an incredible Secondary School for Walton and Molesey? The Local Governing Board supports the Leadership of Heathside Walton in its mission to provide an outstanding education to our community. We are a recently opened Free School situated on Waterside Drive in Walton on Thames.
We have an ambitious mission statement. September 2025-July 2026 has been our 4th year of growth. It has been a successful year for us, with lots of important milestones reached. We now have a full KS3 curriculum, we are over-subscribed, one of the most popular secondary schools in Surrey, and we have had our first Ofsted inspection last year – we were judged outstanding in all categories.
September 2025 marked a crossroads for the school. Following our Ofsted inspection, we entered a new chapter of the school's development with a KS4 curriculum. We are now part of Every Child Every Day academy trust. It is critical in the next phase of the school development with a full school, we maintain the high standards we have set ourselves.
Given this critical juncture in the school's journey, we would like to broaden the range of voices on our Governing Body to provide support and advice to help the school meet its ambitious goals. The role would suit someone with a passion for equality, an interest in education, and perhaps has knowledge of local networks. We are particularly interested in candidates that may have a background within education, though this does not need to be limited to the secondary sector. No experience in Governance is needed as full training is given. School Governance can be incredibly rewarding and provides a real chance to make a profound difference.
Local Governing Board Member in Walton-on-Thames employer: Department for Education
Heathside Walton is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a vibrant educational environment in Walton on Thames. As a member of the Local Governing Board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our outstanding secondary school, with opportunities for personal growth and community impact. Our supportive culture, commitment to training, and focus on inclusivity make this a truly rewarding opportunity for those passionate about education and local development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Governing Board Member in Walton-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its community! Attend events, meet staff, and chat with parents. This will help you understand the school's needs and show your commitment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other board members and local education professionals. They can provide insights and support that could be invaluable in your role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for meetings to get involved. Offer your skills and time for ad hoc matters as they arise. This shows you're dedicated and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Governing Board Member in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for education and community involvement. Share why you want to be a Local Governing Board Member and how you can contribute to our mission at Heathside Walton.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct governance experience, tell us about any relevant skills or experiences that could benefit the school. Whether it’s volunteering, working with local networks, or any educational background, we want to know!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your thoughts are well-organised and easy to follow. This will help us understand your perspective better.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in our community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Education
✨Know Your Commitment
Before the interview, make sure you understand the time commitment involved in being a Local Governing Board Member. Familiarise yourself with the meeting schedule and be ready to discuss how you can fit this role into your life. Showing that you're aware of the expectations will demonstrate your seriousness about the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for education and community involvement. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about local schools or educational initiatives. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in making a difference in the community.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Even if you don’t have direct governance experience, think about transferable skills you possess. Whether it’s teamwork, communication, or problem-solving, be prepared to discuss how these skills can contribute to the Governing Body's mission. This will show that you can bring valuable perspectives to the table.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the school's future plans, the challenges they face, or how the Governing Body supports the leadership team. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this role is the right fit for you.
