Chair of Governors EDV/2026/OHA/53242

About This Role

We are seeking an experienced and committed individual to serve as Chair of Governors for Ormiston Horizon Academy. This is a key voluntary leadership role, responsible for guiding the Local Governing Body (LGB) and ensuring strong governance that supports the academy’s continued improvement.

To apply, see the information below - please do not use the apply now button.

About The Academy

Ormiston Horizon Academy is an academy within Ormiston Academies Trust. It is an ambitious school at the heart of the community where students, staff, families and governors work together to provide a first-class education for all its learners.

The academy is proud of its students, who are an exceptional group of talented individuals who thrive on the range of experiences that they are offered by the academy. The relationships between teachers, students and parents are a key to the success and the academy’s core values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility permeate the school community.

All students are supported by a wonderful team of staff, who work relentlessly to ensure they are provided with the best education possible. The carefully planned curriculum, alongside a challenging PSHE programme, supports students to develop a love of learning and resilience to prepare them for their futures. Ormiston Horizon Academy is deeply committed to the personal development of every student, offering a rich and varied programme of enrichment opportunities so that all students thrive. Every member of staff encourages positive attitudes and aim to provide an environment in which all students feel known, supported and challenged.

The outstanding school building and expansive site allows the academy to offer an education with a difference for its students and is a centre of excellence and innovation for its students, staff and the local community.

About The Role

As chair of governors, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the governing body and ensure it operates as an effective, cohesive team
• Support and challenge the principal as a “critical friend,” maintaining a professional and constructive working relationship
• Ensure the governing body fulfils all delegated duties in line with statutory requirements and trust policies
• Lead on setting the vision, ethos and strategic priorities of the academy
• Promote high standards of education, safeguarding and student outcomes
• Uphold trust policies, values and strategic objectives
• Champion good governance practice, managing governing body meetings and ensuring governors are well‑informed and engaged
• Oversee governor recruitment, succession planning and skills development
• Represent the governing body with stakeholders through school visits and proactively encourage all governors to do the same, whilst acting as an ambassador for the academy in the local community
• Work collaboratively with the principal, clerk, trust governance team, and regional education director
• Support effective meeting management, agenda planning, and follow‑up of actions
• Foster a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion within the governance team and the wider academy
  
  

Commitment Required

• LGB meetings: 4 per year (typically 2 in autumn, 1 in spring, 1 in summer), each lasting approximately 2–2.5 hours
• Performance board meetings – attendance may be required termly
• Regular meetings with the principal to maintain oversight and provide support
• Training and development – ongoing commitment to governance training, chair forums, and trust briefings
• Additional time may be required for:
• Governor recruitment and induction
• Monitoring activities linked to academy improvement
• Participation in the principal’s appraisal process

Occasional involvement in senior leadership recruitment

This role would suit someone with governance or leadership experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to improving opportunities for young people.

About The Trust

Ormiston is a large, long-established, not‑for‑profit multi‑academy trust with a clear purpose: to provide children and young people with excellent learning opportunities. We support a diverse family of academies and are committed to strong local governance as a driver of school improvement.

How To Apply

To apply for this voluntary role, please provide:

• A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience
• A current CV
  
  

CVs and cover letters should be sent to the Trust Governance Team at: governance@ormistonacademies.co.uk.

For an informal discussion about the role, or to arrange a visit, please contact the clerk to the governing body, Jodie Harris, via email at JMHarris@HorizonOAT.co.uk or call 01782 883371.

Ormiston Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974