Contract term: Voluntary
Hours: Part time
Salary: None
Are you local to Oxford and interested in school leadership and/or the education of young people generally and young women in particular?
Oxford High School, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) – the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools – is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our School Governing Board as a Governor.
If you are looking to give something back to the local community in Oxford, develop your professional skills in strategic planning and expand your network, this is a great opportunity to join Oxford High School as a Governor. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and success of the School, supporting the Head and Senior Leadership Team, and championing the GDST’s mission to help every girl learn without limits.
The Role
Being a Governor at a Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) school is a rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to be a part of the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools. Our Governors are an important feature of our success, acting as a local level of governance and make a vital contribution to the following core functions:
Strategic Development: Providing constructive feedback on the school’s performance and strategic priorities, balancing a local perspective with the GDST’s wider vision.
Ambassadorship: Act as a visible advocate for Oxford High School and the GDST within the local community, helping to strengthen partnerships and raise the school’s profile.
Support and Challenge: Serve as a “critical friend” to the Head and Senior Leadership Team, offering both support and constructive challenge, and taking an active interest in the life of the school by attending events and initiatives.
The Governors’ meetings are held once per term (3 times per year) in addition to which one day a month will be required.
The role is not remunerated.
Previous experience of working in a school is not essential and Governors from all professional backgrounds are welcome. In particular the school is keen to recruit Governors with an interest in junior school education, Early Years, philanthropy and safeguarding.
About Oxford High School:
Oxford High School is the only all through girls’ school based in Oxford with girls aged from 4 to 19. This year Oxford High is celebrating its 150th year of educating and inspiring young women to take on the world, boldly, fearlessly and with compassion.
About the Girls’ Day School Trust
The Girls’ Day School Trust is a family of independent schools across England and Wales. Our schools deliver innovative learning for girls aged three to eighteen. From nursery, primary and prep school, throughout secondary school and Sixth Form, they learn in an environment where every girl thrives.
Who We’re Looking For?
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives, skills, and enthusiasm to the Board. Successful candidates will demonstrate many of the following qualities:
A deep commitment to the values and aspirations of Oxford High School and the GDST
Understanding of good governance, accountability, and shared decision-making
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Sound judgement, integrity, and a diplomatic approach
The ability to analyse information and data to support effective decision-making
A commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
Willingness to dedicate time to meetings, school events, training, and collaboration with the Chair and fellow Governors
Why Join Us?
Becoming a Governor at Oxford High School GDST offers the chance to make a tangible difference in a thriving educational community. You will work alongside experienced professionals, support the next generation of female leaders, and develop your own skills in governance and strategic leadership.
Interested?
If you are passionate about education and would like to contribute your expertise and enthusiasm to one of the UK’s most respected independent schools, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 23:59 on Thursday 26th March 2026.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. An early application is therefore strongly advised.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
Oxford High School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including online checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.