Set in 40 beautiful acres of parkland on the outskirts of Reading, Crosfields is one of the leading co-educational private schools in Berkshire. Established in 1957 as a boys' school, today it is proudly co-educational and offers a rounded education to just over 700 girls and boys aged two to 16.

Crosfields is an exceptionally friendly school, which emphasises manners, kindness and good behaviour. The Crosfields culture encourages children to feel respected, safe, included and secure at school. Students are supported in exploring their passions and unique talents, and their contributions and achievements are actively celebrated. The educational programme is broad, thorough and, crucially, enjoyable. Although the School has a strong reputation for the quality of its academic programme, it recognises that there is more to educating a child and it places a strong emphasis on preparing young people for the challenges of the world beyond school. It fosters an environment in which children are able to safely experience life challenges and develop coping strategies. Fundamentally, the School's community is founded on high-quality teaching, first-class facilities and outstanding pastoral care.

Crosfields is also an ambitious school and it has achieved phenomenal pupil number growth in recent years. With the addition of a senior school for pupils aged 13-16, which entailed a significant investment in the estate, the School has almost doubled its roll. With its first ever female Headteacher joining in April this year, this is an exciting time for the School.

Crosfields School is governed by a Board of Governors whose prime responsibility is to ensure that the School provides the best education for its pupils. The Board has a duty to ensure its charitable objectives are adhered to. It comprises a group of people who voluntarily contribute a varied and differing range of experiences and skills applicable to the functions of the School.

Governors at Crosfields bring a breadth of commercial and consumer experience across a variety of areas. They help shape the future of the School and ensure the overarching strategy is achieved.

Governors focus on the three core functions of governance:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding executive leaders to account
3. Overseeing and ensuring effective educational and financial performance

Governors at Crosfields also have a responsibility towards overseeing the School's safeguarding policies and governance, ensuring an excellent level of safeguarding of students, a clear strategic direction and the setting and monitoring of performance benchmarks.

Governor (Education)

Crosfields School is seeking to appoint a new Governor with a background in the leadership of successful schools. 

The ideal candidate will have executive leadership experience, for example as a Headteacher or Deputy / Assistant Headteacher, within a successful, high performing school. Applicants are welcome from both the independent and maintained sectors, provided that they are able to champion the independent sector and demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing it. Taking into account the experience of existing Board members, there is a preference for applicants with experience working in all-through or senior school settings. Crosfields is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in pastoral care. 

Governor (Finance)

In order to strengthen the financial expertise of its Board, Crosfields School is seeking to appoint at least one qualified accountant with strategic-level leadership experience to its Board.

The successful candidate(s) could come from a range of backgrounds, provided they have an accounting qualification. They could be leading the finance function of an organisation - whether public, private or non-profit - or they could come from a professional services environment. Experience in smaller organisations in which resources have to be carefully planned would be particularly welcomed. While experience in the education sector is not required, it is expected that applicants are able to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities currently facing the independent schools sector.

Governor (Property / Estates)

Crosfields School is seeking to appoint a new Governor with strategic-level leadership experience in property and / or estates management.

Crosfields has recently made a significant investment in its estate with the opening of its senior school. The ideal candidate for this post will have held strategic responsibility for a similarly complex, mixed-use property or estate, such that they are able to provide support and challenge to the Board and the Executive in the strategic management of the site. There are no further major capital projects on the horizon, so this role is more about helping Crosfields make the most of what it has; to maximise the financial efficiency and effectiveness of the School's assets, and ensure that the site is operated in a sustainable fashion. Strong knowledge of Health & Safety / compliance would be beneficial for this role.

Applicants could come from a wide range of backgrounds, from property and estates professionals to ex-military strategists and school bursars. Experience of the education sector is not required, however it is important that Governors have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent schools sector.

First-time non-executives are strongly encouraged to apply, provided they are able to demonstrate at interview a good understanding of the governance role. Above all, applicants must feel a genuine sense of alignment with Crosfield's mission, values and ethos.

A full list of current Governors can be found here.

The full Governing Body meets three times per year, once per term: these meetings take place ideally in person at the School, but all meetings are hybrid in format. This Governor will also be expected to join the school's Health and Safety Committee, which also meets once per term: these tend to take place entirely online. Meetings generally take place on Monday evenings from 5:30pm, and last two to three hours. Additionally, there is an expectation that Governors will visit the School from time to time to attend events and to get to know the teachers, staff, pupils and their families. The appointment is for a three year term which can be renewed. This role is unremunerated but reasonable pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Crosfields School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Candidates should live within an easy commute of the School, such that they are able to be engaged members of the community.

Crosfields welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. First-time non-executives, as well as individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 who bring diversity can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.