Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys aged 11-18, with full and weekly boarding available from age 13. Abingdon Prep School is a day school for boys aged 4 to 13. The two schools together make up the Abingdon Foundation.

Abingdon School

Abingdon School is situated in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, just south of Oxford. There are currently almost 1,100 boys, of whom about 135 are boarders. As well as encouraging academic achievement, with impressive results at GCSE, A Level and Oxbridge and university entrance, the school provides extensive sport and other extra-curricular opportunities which broaden horizons, promote a global outlook and build the skills needed for the workplace. All students are encouraged to try something new, develop existing talents and ‘give something back’. The School aims to provide a consistently outstanding quality of education, with a Teaching and Learning team providing leadership and support for the advanced development of pedagogy.

Abingdon Prep School

Abingdon Prep is based in a rural setting just outside Abingdon, and is a happy, friendly school with around 225 boys. Opportunities are plentiful and small class sizes ensure that pupils are very well cared for and their strengths and weaknesses recognised. Most boys transfer to Abingdon School at age 13 but a small number go to other senior independent schools in the surrounding area.

The Foundation

The Foundation is in a strong financial position despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic and the pressures of the current external financial climate. Both schools have benefitted from significant capital investment in recent years, with major schemes to improve boarding accommodation and to provide additional dining and social space approaching completion at Abingdon School.

Abingdon has a strong commitment to further develop its Bursary Programme. At present, 74 boys are supported with means-tested bursaries, of whom almost 30% are in receipt of 100% support and there is a plan to increase the number of bursary recipients further by 2025. There is a well-established partnership programme involving local primary and secondary schools and, most recently, the development of the 'OX14 Learning Partnership' with two other local independent schools and three local secondary schools (www.ox14lp.org.uk). There is also a strong relationship with Abingdon alumni, particularly in the support of the highly developed careers programme.

Across the Foundation, mental health and wellbeing are high priorities, with a Director of Wellbeing, school counsellors, and staff training in mental health first aid. Sustainability is also a strongly growing focus both in the delivery of new buildings and in the running and maintenance of both sites. Abingdon School is an affiliated school of the Mercers’ Company, with which it works closely in relation to its partnership and wellbeing programmes.

Governors demonstrate the professional experience, communication skills, intellect and commitment required to shape the Foundation’s strategic objectives. They actively engage with the Head and senior staff in delivering and monitoring the Foundation’s five-year development plan (renewed in the academic year 2022 / 23). They recognise the responsibilities of charity trusteeship and are willing to challenge and be prepared to champion the education of students at Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School.

All Governors sit on the Full Governing Body and are appointed to one of the Governing Body’s Sub-committees (which include Finance, Audit Risk & Compliance, and Education) according to skills and experience.

The Governing Body wishes to appoint someone with experience in strategic financial and commercial management, gained in a commercial, public or third-sector context. As the Foundation is a £30m business, managing both the schools and Abingdon School Enterprises (its small commercial offshoot), candidates should demonstrate significant commercial acumen and have held a senior position in financial and business management, in either a finance function or general management role.

The ideal candidate will be able to contribute to debates around capital expenditure, financial operational management, staff remuneration and pensions, as well as consider the variety of opportunities and risks which Abingdon may encounter in the coming years. They will sit on the Finance Sub-Committee and an appropriately qualified candidate may also be invited to serve on the Board of Abingdon School Enterprises.

Previous experience in a non-executive position is welcomed but not essential, as the successful candidate will undergo a comprehensive induction programme and be offered further training relevant to the role.

Information about the Board of Governors can be found here. 

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Board and committee meetings normally take place once each term, generally scheduled for the late afternoon / early evening on weekdays. There is an annual strategy day on a Saturday (usually in November). Other ad hoc events include an annual Foundation Dinner, and prize giving mornings at both schools which all Governors are encouraged to attend. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.

Once identified, the successful candidate will be asked to nominate two referees, one of whom should have held a senior position in the last organisation with which the candidate was involved. Final appointment will be confirmed subject to receipt of satisfactory references and after completion of statutory checks.

UK - South East (Oxfordshire)

Abingdon's Governing Body is keen to develop its diversity and welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority background are currently underrepresented, applications from such individuals would be particularly welcome. 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.