Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools (Habs) is a leading group of independent schools in the UK, comprising Haberdashers’ Boys School and Haberdashers’ Girls Schools, both of which run from 4-18 including a pre-prep, prep and senior school. The neighbouring schools have been located in Elstree, Hertfordshire for the last fifty years and now cater for over 2,000 pupils.

Habs is a strong, happy and supportive community committed to the pursuit of excellence in education. The schools are academically outstanding but a Habs education is about more than exams and prepares young people for fulfilment in a world that demands flexibility, creativity, resilience and critical thought. Habs caters for a diverse community and nurtures in its pupils a global perspective and a deep sense of responsibility.

The Girls and Boys Schools work closely together, offering the best of single-sex education in a co-educational environment through its Nexus programme which sees each student take at least one A-Level in a co-educational group. In order to accommodate Nexus, the Schools have recently taken a full review of the curriculum, school day and staff reporting lines. 

The aspirational Board of Governors and Executive are aligned in a strategy which promotes collaboration, sharing of best practice and an education which is outstanding across the academic, pastoral and co-curricular elements of school life.

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools seeks two Governors to join its board. They will both join the Teaching, Learning and Collaboration Committee and play a key strategic role on the Board, guiding the Schools as it continues to deliver an outstanding education to its pupils.

The new Governors will work with the Governing Body and executive team to help guide the Schools’ educational strategy, policy and initiatives, and evaluate performance in line with its objectives. They will use their expertise to provide guidance and challenge to the Board, in particular with regard to collaboration across the two schools, pastoral care and wellbeing, driving aspirations, use of technology and broader innovation.

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools seek to appoint one Governor who has experience in the Higher Education sector and a second Governor with experience in primary or preparatory education.

Higher Education: This individual will hold a senior role within a leading university. They will bring an understanding of university admissions in the UK and will understand current trends within the sector in order to improve how Habs advises its pupils. They may also bring a perspective on leading universities outside of the UK, in particular in the US and Europe.

This person will bring a strategic perspective and a broad view of higher education. They will perceive changes in the sector and be able to advise on the best universities for specific subjects.

Prep/Primary Education: This individual will be an expert in primary level education and could be or have been a senior post holder within the independent or maintained sector. They will be a strategic leader and understand the particular pedagogical needs of pupils from 4-11. They will understand some of the challenges in leading a high performing prep or primary school.

As the boys and girls prep schools collaborate, this person will bring a perspective on co-education and how the schools can share best practice.

All successful candidates will have the communications skills, intellect and passion to actively engage with senior staff and the Board of Governors. They will be innovative, collegial and able to challenge. Most importantly, they will be passionate about helping Habs’ pupils flourish.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are five board meetings and three committee meetings per year, stakeholder engagement and meetings with the executive. Additionally, Governors are expected to spend one day per term in school (which can be combined with meetings) and attend key events across the school year. Currently Board meetings are in person and committee meetings are virtual but this may change over time. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.