Start Date: August 2026 or as soon as possible
Contract: Long‑term voluntary appointment
Blended: Remote, online and in‑person
Park School is seeking a new Chair of Council — a compassionate, strategic and values‑driven leader to guide the school through an important chapter in its 40‑year history. This is a voluntary role of significant influence and responsibility, supporting a small, not‑for‑profit, alternative primary school at a time of both vulnerability and possibility.
We are looking for someone who believes deeply in childhood, nature‑rooted learning, human‑scale education and the power of relational practice — and who has the time, energy and commitment to help secure Park’s future.
Park School is a not-for-profit independent primary school on the beautiful Dartington Estate in South Devon. Established in 1986, as a human-scale school we value positive connections between all members of our community. We try to model a different way to bring up our children, to teach them a way of being in the world that will have a positive influence for future generations.
The School’s Trustees (its governors and guardians) work with our passionate staff and engaged school community to continually challenge and evolve our approach to education. There is a strong focus on community, the environment and outdoor learning, a child-centred school with a drive to build even better community links, develop new relationships, sharing our own experience and learning from others.
About the Role
The Chair of Council is the lead guardian of the school’s mission, ethos and long‑term sustainability. Working closely with the Headteacher and Council members, the Chair provides both strategic oversight and hands‑on support during a period of organisational strengthening.
Key responsibilities include:
1. providing strategic leadership
2. holding the school’s ethos and ensuring decisions protect our nature‑rooted, relational identity
3. supporting the Headteacher as a thought partner and critical friend
4. leading Council meetings and ensuring effective governance
5. attending key community events
6. ensuring compliance and safeguarding oversight
7. supporting strategic projects that strengthen the school’s future
Time commitment: 6 - 10 hours per month, including meetings, school visits, online sessions and occasional community events.
Who We’re Looking For
We would love to hear from individuals who:
8. Have experience in alternative, progressive or nature‑based education, ideally at primary level
9. Bring strategic clarity, emotional intelligence and calm decision‑making
10. Can offer hands‑on support when needed, not only oversight
11. Understand the realities of small‑school governance and not‑for‑profit leadership
12. Are committed to neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed and relational practice
13. Have strong people skills and the ability to hold complexity
14. Are confident with technology and remote collaboration tools
15. Can offer time, energy and determination to help secure Park’s future
What We Offer
Although this is a voluntary role, Park provides:
16. A school laptop
17. A full induction programme
18. Access to governance training
19. A warm, committed school community
20. The chance to make a profound difference to a school that matters
Please note: Appointment requires Secretary of State approval and full safeguarding checks.
Safeguarding Statement
Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre‑employment checks as outlined in our Safer Recruitment Policy.
A full copy of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy is available on our website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this before applying.
GDPR & Data Protection
Park School is committed to protecting your personal data. Information provided as part of your application will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your data will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will be stored securely.