Be the Architect of Potential
We’re searching for passionate people ready to shape the future of education — no experience required, just drive, curiosity, and a belief that every child deserves the best.
Overview
Sherwood Foundation School is an all-age foundation special school and proud member of the Sutton Education Trust (SET). We operate across three campuses — Sherwood Park and Sherwood Manor in Wallington, and Sherwood Hill in Carshalton — serving children and young people aged 4 to 19. Each pupil at Sherwood holds an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our curriculum is designed around the whole child — building independence, essential life skills, and the knowledge needed for adulthood and a fulfilling life. We take a trans-disciplinary approach, bringing together teachers, wellbeing practitioners and therapists to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and ready to thrive.
We are a warm, aspirational community — and our governing board plays a vital role in keeping us that way.
What’s in it for you?
* Real Strategic Experience – Sharpen your leadership skills working on genuine budget decisions, performance strategy and long-term planning at board level.
* Lasting Impact – Every decision you help make ripples outward — improving outcomes for hundreds of children in your community, today and for years to come.
* A Brilliant Network – Connect with professionals from finance, law, education and beyond. Your fellow governors bring a wealth of knowledge and connections.
* Free Training & Mentoring – Full mentorship and development support provided. Bring your enthusiasm — we’ll take care of everything else.
* Community Roots – Be a champion for education in your neighbourhood and a genuine stakeholder in one of Sutton’s most important institutions.
* CV Gold – Governance is recognised by employers across every sector as a serious, high-value commitment. It shows you lead, not just follow.
What does a governor actually do?
Think of a governor as a critical friend to the school’s leadership — asking the right questions, scrutinising the right data, and helping steer the ship. You’re not here for the day-to-day; you’re here to make the big stuff happen.
Responsibilities
* Set Strategic Direction – Work with the Headteacher to define aims, objectives and long‑term vision. Review progress and keep the strategy sharp.
* Create Robust Accountability – Support and challenge senior leaders. Scrutinise performance data to ensure every child gets the standards they deserve.
* Set priorities for a multi‑million pound budget – Ensure resources are used wisely and in line with the school improvement plan.
* Oversee Management – Monitor the effectiveness of strategy, policies, staffing and budgeting, ensuring the school gets best value at every turn.
* Community Involvement – Act as a genuine voice for the community, bringing fresh perspective and building bridges with the wider world.
* Accountability to Local Authority – Governors are accountable to the Local Authority for the school’s overall performance — a real responsibility that counts.
Skills & Expertise
Our board works through four committees, each tackling a distinct area of school life. We’re actively looking for people whose professional backgrounds map onto these areas.
* Finance & Risk Committee
o Finance & Accounting Risk Management
o Audit & Compliance Procurement
o Business Management Legal
* Human Resources Committee
o Personnel recruitment and retention
o Professional development and pupil outcomes
o Diversity & Inclusion Education
o Performance Management Data Analysis
o HR & Compensation Employment Law Pay & Reward
* Facilities & Safety Committee
o Responsible for the school estate, capital projects, statutory compliance and the safety of everyone on site.
o Health & Safety Project Management
o Facilities Management Construction & Property
o Compliance Sustainability
* Additional expertise sought: IT & Digital, Marketing & Communications, Community Engagement, Charity & Voluntary Sector, Senior Leadership, and similar roles.
Board Composition
* 2 Parent Governors – elected by parents and carers of current pupils.
* 1 Staff Governor – elected by teaching and non‑teaching staff.
* 1 Local Authority Governor – appointed by the London Borough of Sutton.
* 5 Co‑opted Governors – appointed by the board for their skills and expertise.
* 2 Foundation Governors – appointed by the Sutton Education Trust (SET).
* Automatically a governor – the operational leader who helps the board understand school life from the inside.
Commitment & Terms
* 4‑Year term of office
* 4–5 Hours per month average
* Attend 6 Board meetings
* Attend 1 Committee meeting per term
* Meetings start at 6 pm (approx. 2 h)
* All meetings held in person at one of the three school sites
* Governors expected to conduct regular link governor visits to the school
Beyond the Boardroom
From time to time governors may be asked to sit on panels (such as appeals or disciplinaries), take on specialist link roles, and commit to ongoing training — including keeping up to date with changes in education legislation and governance practice.
Legal & Compliance
Sherwood Foundation School is committed to safeguarding and child protection. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
#J-18808-Ljbffr