Governors

3 Board meetings + 3 Committee meetings + Ad Hoc engagement

About Whitgift School

Whitgift School is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys aged 10 to 18 in South Croydon, with a history that stretches back to its foundation by Archbishop John Whitgift in 1596. Part of the John Whitgift Foundation, the School combines deep heritage with a clear contemporary sense of purpose, centred on helping young people grow in confidence, character and capability. Set on a substantial parkland campus, the School offers extensive facilities across sport, the arts, science, technology and wider co-curricular life. It has a strong academic reputation, with Sixth Form pupils able to study both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Recent recognition has included being named Best Boys' Day and Boarding School 2026 – London in the Private Education Awards, while the School also continues to celebrate achievements across its grounds, sport and international university destinations.

The School describes itself as a diverse and grounded community where every person belongs to a circle of friends, a team, a pursuit and a shared purpose. Pupils are known, nurtured and challenged and, through exceptional teaching, unrivalled opportunities and deep personal support of each boy, they become more ready to step forward with confidence into their future. That idea of becoming more sits at the heart of the School’s identity and reflects both the aspiration it has for every pupil and its own determination to continue evolving and aspiring to ever higher standards.

Whitgift’s values are belonging, ambition, curiosity, respect and courage. These values shape a broad educational experience designed to foster academic achievement, personal development and a strong sense of community. The School’s strategic vision, 2030 and Beyond, is organised around three structural threads: People, Place and Practice. Together, these provide the framework for how the School intends to empower each member of its community to flourish, enhance and future‑proof its campus and environment, and improve the way it works, teaches, learns and leads.

Whitgift School is entering an exciting new phase under Toby Seth's leadership as Headmaster, with a new vision and strategy in place. Financially strong and well positioned, the School is focused on enhancing its current offer, exploring further international opportunities, investing in its site, and continuing to widen access through significant bursary provision.

Role specification

Governors provide strategic oversight of Whitgift School through the Whitgift School Committee, to which the John Whitgift Foundation delegates oversight of the School’s strategic direction and its educational offering and success. Working collectively, Governors help ensure that the School remains true to its founding purpose and values while continuing to evolve with clarity, confidence and ambition.

The role of Governors includes:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, values and strategic direction in support of the School’s long‑term development
• Overseeing the quality and effectiveness of the School’s educational provision and pupil experience
• Supporting strong governance, accountability and sound decision‑making across the School
• Monitoring financial sustainability and stewardship of resources, including oversight of major financial and estate matters
• Ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for risk management, safeguarding, welfare and regulatory compliance
• Overseeing the School’s approach to campus development, facilities and the long‑term suitability of its environment for learning and community life
• Contributing to oversight of the School’s relationships, reputation and external partnerships
• Acting as ambassadors for the School’s mission, values and wider contribution to its community

Please note that Governors of Whitgift School are not Trustees of the John Whitgift Foundation.

Person specification

Whitgift School is seeking up to three Governors who bring senior strategic experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, construction / estates or international expansion.

Finance: The Board is seeking a new Governor with strong strategic financial oversight experience. Candidates may have gained this experience in a range of settings, including banking, financial services or broader commercial leadership roles, and do not need to be qualified accountants. The successful candidate will bring sound commercial judgement, the ability to provide constructive challenge and support, and confidence contributing to discussions around financial sustainability, risk and long‑term planning.

Estates / Construction: The Board is also seeking a Governor with estates, construction or property development expertise who will provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge on estates planning, delivery and future expansion opportunities across the School. Candidates may have gained their experience as a chartered surveyor, architect, property developer or through another senior leadership role within the built environment sector. They will bring commercial acumen, an understanding of large‑scale capital projects, and the ability to support long‑term estate strategy and infrastructure planning.

International Expansion: The Board is keen to appoint a Governor with experience of international growth and market expansion. While experience in the education sector would be beneficial, candidates from other sectors are also very much encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will bring insight into establishing international partnerships, campuses or branch / team operations, and will support the organisation as it explores global opportunities. They will have a track record of successfully establishing and growing operations in international markets.

In addition, candidates will bring:

• The ability to contribute strategically, exercise sound judgement and work effectively as part of a collective governing body
• A strong understanding of good governance, accountability and oversight
• A commitment to education and to supporting the development of young people
• An appreciation of safeguarding, wellbeing and the responsibilities of governance in a school setting
• The credibility, independence of mind and interpersonal skills to build constructive relationships while maintaining appropriate oversight
• A clear alignment with the School’s values and ethos

Board composition

To find a full list of Governors, please see here.

Location

The role is based primarily in South Croydon, Greater London. Governors will be expected to attend meetings at the School’s campus, with most activity centred on board and committee meetings in person. There may also be occasional attendance at school events and visits connected to the wider life of the School.

Diversity

Whitgift School welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. 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.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre‑agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board of Governors meets 3 times during the year, in person, end November, end March and end May / early June at Whitgift School. Governors will also be expected to sit on one Committee, which meets three times per year (in person) though Members can attend virtually, if absolutely necessary. The appointment is for a three‑year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.