Glenalmond College is an independent boarding and day school in Scotland, providing an inspirational environment for young people from Scotland, the UK and beyond, to learn and grow. Originally founded as a theological college in 1847, the College is set in the stunning Perthshire countryside and enjoys magnificent grounds of over 300 acres in an unrivalled setting at the edge of the Highlands, offering the peace and beauty of the natural environment with all the excitement that a vibrant community of learning offers. Since 1990, Glenalmond has been a fully co-educational boarding and day school, and now educates around 350 pupils aged 12-18, divided equally between girls and boys, and of whom over three-quarters are full boarders and the remainder day pupils.

While Chapel remains a central feature of daily life, the College is a modern, open, and diverse community, and welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. Pupils follow GCSE and A-level curricula, although some opt for Highers, and the Sixth Form is the exciting final stage to a Glenalmond education, seeing all progress to university or their chosen next destination. Outstanding pastoral care is the hallmark of Glenalmond, and through a varied enrichment and co-curricular programme, pupils are challenged as individuals and collectively. The College believes a Glenalmond education should be open to all, and as such offers bursaries for many who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees.

Glenalmond is proud of its rich heritage and tradition, and uses this as a foundation for a forward-thinking approach to innovation in teaching, learning and staff development. As the College celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, it hopes to continue to grow its reputation both in the UK and internationally, and to continue offering an outstanding education to pupils, no matter their background. With huge potential to expand, it's a critical time for the school. 

The Council Member will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to Glenalmond College in collaboration with the Warden and the rest of the Governing Council. The Council shares responsibility for the governance and performance of the College in deciding and meeting strategic objectives.

They will:

• Promote the College's vision and values, and oversee the delivery of the College’s charitable aims through its strategic plan, as agreed by the Council
• Monitor and oversee financial stewardship and mitigate risk
• Act as a mentor to the Warden, Dr Michael Alderson, and other members of the senior leadership team and oversee the Warden's performance
• Attend the Board’s Standards Sub-Committee meetings

Glenalmond College seeks a new Council Member who brings a strong background in standards and academic performance with senior leadership experience in a school setting. This person will be a critical friend to the Board and act as a mentor to the Warden, whilst constructively challenging the Board and senior team.

The Council Member will bring experience from the schools sector, ideally from an independent school, but it could also come from outside this setting. Above all, they will bring a strong understanding of standards in English schools as monitoring is more rigorous than in Scotland, and due to the fact the College competes with the English market and needs to attract English pupils. They could be a Headteacher or Deputy Head from a larger school. Alternatively, they could be an Academic Lead who will bring an independent voice in academic performance to be a counterpart to the Warden. This person will also chair the Standards Committee in 12 months.

Applicants should have a good understanding of the educational, political, social and economic context in which Glenalmond operates (not necessarily gained through direct experience) and a willingness to develop this understanding further. Candidates need not have a connection to the College, although Old Glenalmonds or people with a connection to the College are welcome to apply. Importantly, candidates should bring an appreciation of the outdoor and active ethos of Glenalmond, and a commitment to its vision to provide an outstanding, all-round education to its pupils.

The Most Revd Mark Strange, President of Council
Niall Booker, Outgoing Chairman of Council
Ian Gray OBE, Chair-designate
The Earl of Home CVO OBE
David Sibbald
John Thom
Prof Alison MacCleery
Tim Carmichael
Linda White
Jamie Oliver
Chris Nicholson
Anna Miller
Kate Porter
The Rt Rev Ian Paton, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane
David Fox-Pitt MBE
Christopher Reynolds
Kirsty Mosely
Ruth Shackleton

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed.  There are four Council meetings and four Sub-committee meetings per year. Applicants do not need to live in Scotland but will need to attend at least two Council meetings in person. Sub-Committee meetings will be more flexible and could be attended virtually. The appointment is planned for a three-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Council.