Appointment of the Clerk to the Governors

Francis Holland Schools

About us

About the Trust

The Francis Holland Schools Trust is an educational charity which manages two independent day schools for girls in London.

Both schools were founded by Canon Francis Holland in the late 19th Century and both have been called Francis Holland School ever since. The Trust has equal responsibility for the two schools.

Established in 1878, the Trust provides financial stability through the shared Bursary and shared Board of Governors known as The Council. There are currently 17 members who are all pre-eminent in their professional fields, providing well-informed advice via a structure of committees to both schools.

Both Francis Holland Schools therefore benefit from not only a strong financial foundation but also shared best practice both educationally and administratively. The Trust however recognises the different characters of each school and great value is placed on the autonomy each Head has over their school in terms of staffing, curriculum, uniform and culture.

There is a close working relationship between the Chairman of Governors, the Heads and the Bursar ensuring a smooth running organisation.

Our Schools

FHS, Regent’s Park, is an academic day school for girls aged 11 to 18.

Our reputation for examination success is supported by a caring environment where girls can thrive. We offer an outstanding and enriching curriculum delivered by excellent teaching staff. Our community is a blend of cultures and diversity which add to our unique learning environment.

You can read Headmistress Katharine Woodcock’s welcome message here.

FHS, Sloane Square, is an academic day school for girls aged 4 to 18.

Our ambition is to provide a curriculum and environment which will enable our girls to become the leaders, thinkers, innovators, designers, entrepreneurs and game-changers of tomorrow. We offer an outstanding learning experience and culture by putting curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving at the heart of our approach to learning.

You can read Head Alexandra Haydon’s welcome message here.

 

From September 2024, Francis Holland’s Junior School at Sloane Square will become Francis Holland Preparatory School and relocate to an iconic Victorian Grade II listed building, just off the King’s Road.  This prime property will more than double the space currently occupied by our Junior School and most importantly enable us to extend our award-winning FHS education to over one hundred more girls.  By becoming two form entry, with 280 pupils by September 2026, we will be able to strengthen our educational offering, both academically and pastorally.  Planning for small class sizes of 20 will enable us to maintain the level of individual attention for each child and the nurturing and friendly environment for which Francis Holland is renowned.

The role

Clerk to the Board of Governors (AQ2623)

Apply now

Terms of appointment

Location

Clerk will be accountable to the Board of Governors as a whole, working effectively with the Chair and with the Heads, COO and other Governors this role will be a mixture of in person and remote working with meetings taking place across our schools.

Hours of work

This is a part-time role which amounts to roughly 0.6 of the full time equivalent. There are typically up to ten meetings per term, including some weekends and evenings.  The job is not evenly paced and there will be some weeks that are busier than others.

Flexibility is therefore important.

Salary

Competitive package

Employee Benefits

  • 30 days holiday, pro rata, plus a notional week over the Christmas period, plus bank holidays.
  • Private Medical Insurance.
  • Complimentary school lunch onsite during term time.
  • Interest free travel and computer purchase loans are available.

Safeguarding

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required as well as other safeguarding checks including references Safeguarding. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Statutory checks references will be a requirement for this role. This role is classed as regulated activity with children as it involves working within the school on a day-to-day basis with regular and frequent opportunity for contact with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the Trust, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

Applications should consist of:

  • Applications should consist of a CV and covering statement (of no more than 1,000 words) outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete the Trust application form in line with safer recruitment practices.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Hayley Mintern at hayley.mintern@andersonquigley.com, or +44 (0)7596 954 387 or or Phil Gifford at phil.gifford@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7743 936 121.

The trust is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supporting  gender equality & Race Equality Charter. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.