Established in 1646, Reading Blue Coat (RBC) is one of the country's leading day schools, synonymous with excellent academics, exceptional performing arts and exciting extra-curricular activities. Situated alongside the River Thames, RBC has a beautiful campus, providing for over 800 pupils in Berkshire and beyond. Historically a boys' school, the Sixth Form has welcomed girls since 1987. The School is currently in the process of opening all academic years to both boys and girls, and will welcome its first cohort of co-educated Year 7s in September 2023. Academically selective from age 11, the School competes against local grammar schools for the best exam results in the area. The School has featured in the Daily Telegraph's top ten ‘best value for money private school in the UK’ for 3 of the last 6 years. RBC prides itself on providing an outstanding pathway to higher education, with an average of 84% of Sixth Form pupils going on to attend their first choice of University.

The School's educational philosophy is reflected in the way the curriculum is designed. In Years 7 and 8, pupils enjoy flexibility in core subjects such as Drama in English, the practical applications of probability in Maths and experimentation in the Sciences. The study of the Creative Arts, Languages, Humanities, Religious Studies and Physical Education further stimulate a wide range of learning experiences aimed at development of the person, as well as the ability to think ethically, logically and creatively. Alongside its more traditional curriculum, RBC recently launched an 'Adventure Education' programme, in which pupils are exposed to a diverse range of challenging and enjoyable activities, including paddle-boarding, sailing, mountain climbing and mountaineering. The School also has an extensive Sports programme, including a boathouse for rowing, eight rugby and football pitches, six cricket squares, four netball courts, three tennis courts, a swimming pool, a multi-use sports hall, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and a fitness suite. Students can also engage in other extra-curricular activities, such as Young Enterprise, Public Speaking, Lego Robotics, Archery, Chess, Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). 

Reading Blue Coat also has a very strong Performing Arts curriculum; over the last 10 years, the School has invested a lot of time and effort into the upgrading of its campus. Its strategy for the next five years involves more campus growth, including a brand new Performing Arts building. This re-investment in the School will support RBC's ambition to grow student numbers to a little over 900 pupils in the years ahead. This will happen concurrently with the rollout of co-ed school years, starting in September 2023. This future growth puts the inclusion of girls and young women at the heart of RBC's strategy, with the School aiming to maintain its excellent educational standards for all pupils throughout their school experience.

The appointed Governor will work strategically with the Governing Body, providing insight on safeguarding matters and supporting the Governor’s Safeguarding Sub-committee to ensure that RBC continues to provide all pupils with opportunities to learn, opportunities to discover interests that will last a life time, and opportunities to develop as people who will thrive in the world.

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Ensure the Governing Body, leadership and management teams actively promote the wellbeing of pupils
• Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are in place to cover all aspects of the safeguarding agenda and all statutory governing body responsibilities are met
• Be familiar with local authority policy relating to safeguarding and child protection and associated issues
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the School’s Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection Procedures to ensure they remain fit for purpose and in line with current legislation, guidance and best practice, and to report to the Board on any necessary amendments
• Chair the Governor’s Safeguarding Sub-committee

Reading Blue Coat (RBC) is looking to appoint a Governor with up-to-date safeguarding experience / expertise. They will provide strategic support and guidance on safeguarding matters as well as acting as a key part of the Governing Body to help the School achieve its strategy and ambitions.

The ideal candidate will have senior professional experience of safeguarding, having operated in an environment where specific measures are taken to protect the health and well-being of young people and children. 

The ideal candidate will bring first hand experience in safeguarding in a secondary school (maintained or independent) or higher education setting. Experience working in a co-educational environment would be of particular interest. Individuals with experience in other sectors are also welcome to apply, so long as they have senior experience of safeguarding and a keen interest in sustaining and developing knowledge of it in a school context. 

Although prior Board experience is welcomed, RBC welcomes applicants from first-time NEDs.

Above all, the successful applicant will be passionate about young people's education, and will share RBC's commitment to both academic and pastoral excellence. 

A full list of current Governing Body members can be found here.

There is one main Board meeting and one Safeguarding Committee meeting per term. Meetings take place at the School on Mondays at 6.30pm. Governors will be expected to take the time to prepare for meetings and attend ad hoc events, which may include extra meetings during shorter terms.

Governors are appointed for an initial term of four years, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. Reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Meetings take place in-person, on-site at the School. Candidates must therefore live within a commutable distance of Reading. 

Reading Blue Coat welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As women are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. 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 diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.