Founded over 450 years ago, Highgate is one of the UK’s leading co-educational independent schools. Highgate offers three schools in one: the Pre-Preparatory School for around 180 pupils aged 4-7, based on Bishopswood Road, the Junior School for 440 pupils aged 7-11 in a new building that opened in September 2016, and the Senior School for over 1,350 pupils aged 11-18 on the North Road site in the heart of Highgate Village. Highgate promotes scholarship for all, where learning is not about meeting other people’s expectations but discovering and pursuing intellectual passions. Helping pupils pursue subjects they love gives them the experiences of using discretionary effort to succeed, and makes them brilliantly employable: pupils choose to go beyond to fulfil their own dreams.

Charitable giving lies at the heart of Highgate's ethos. The School invests c. £1m per year in its Partnership Teaching programme, where teachers spend time at a number of local schools in Tottenham, including Highgate's sibling Free School, the London Academy of Excellence, which was named Sixth Form College of the Year 2021 in The Sunday Times Schools Guide. Highgate also invests c. £2m per year in bursaries, allowing children from all backgrounds to join the school community. The School is proud of its charitable programmes, and will continue to prioritise them as a key part of its future development.

After several decades of relatively low re-investment, the School has in recent years undertaken a programme of modernising to meet the educational and other demands of a 21st century establishment. Significant funds have been invested over that period to provide additional classrooms and laboratories, a new library, a new Junior School and a reconfigured Pre-Preparatory School. The re-investment programme also focused on urgent building maintenance, strengthening the schools infrastructure and facilitating Highgate to grow to around 1950 pupils in 2023. The relatively recent change to a fully co-educational school, which was achieved in 2010 (girls first entered the Junior and Senior Schools in 2004 having previously only been catered for in the Pre-Prepatory School which opened in 1993), has been a key driver in pupil growth. The next 10-15 years will see a continuation of this programme, with six major planning applications recently submitted for its next phase of development.

Highgate is looking to diversify its income streams, both in the UK as well as potentially overseas, whilst also maintaining the high educational standards associated with the School. Highgate's School Development Plan is centred around sustainable growth. Inspired by a period of review and consultation with pupils, parents, staff, consultants and Governors, the School has drawn up its Environmental Sustainability Initial Strategy Plan, which covers everything from environmental education and building construction to travel, water and energy management. This Environmental Plan represents Highgate at its best: a welcoming, caring, open-minded community coming together to make a positive impact on the world as a whole. This community spirit is alive and well at the school, and will continue to be a key part of Highgate's identity in the years to come. 

Highgate seeks a new Deputy Chair to assist the Chair in leading the Governing Body and guiding the overall strategic direction of the School. The Deputy Chair will chair the Remuneration and Nominations Committee. They will also act as an ambassador, representing the School to external stakeholders and being an active part of the Highgate community.

The Deputy Chair will assist the Chair in their execution of the following three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Supporting the Head and overseeing the educational performance of the School and the wellbeing of its pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the School

Highgate School is looking to recruit a Deputy Chair with strategic-level leadership experience, gained in any sector and function, to join its Governing Body.

The successful individual could come from any professional background, so long as they bring senior, strategic-level experience and a passion for education. The Governing Body is particularly interested in hearing from those with a background in audit and / or general leadership in the commercial sector. Individuals with experience working in law, safeguarding and / or wellbeing are encouraged to apply. Previous board experience is required, but applications from first-time Deputy Chairs would be welcomed. Although direct experience in the independent sector is not required, it is expected that candidates will possess an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. 

Above all, applicants will be aligned with Highgate's commitment to its charitable activities, and will be passionate in supporting the School to uphold its high educational and pastoral standards.

You can read more about the Governing Body here.

There are six main Board meetings per year (one per half-term) which take place on a Tuesday in Highgate School and last for two hours. The Deputy Chair will also be expected to Chair a committee (likely the Remunerations and Nominations committee) which meets three times per year. Additionally, they will be expected to attend the two annual strategy half-days, which take place on Saturdays during term time. The Deputy Chair will also be expected to keep in regular contact with the Chair and the Head.

The appointment is for an initial five year term which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Candidates will either be London based, or will be willing to travel to Highgate for meetings.

Highgate welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As those aged between 35-50 are underrepresented on the Board, applications from these individuals would be strongly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.