Chair of Governors - Part-time volunteer, 4 year term (renewable)

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Chair of Governors

Smarden Primary School and Nursery, Ashford, Kent

Education - Chair of Governors (part-time volunteer)

4 year term (renewable)

(Y)Our Opportunity

We are looking for an inspirational and motivated Chair of Governors to join our supportive and collaborative team. We are seeking someone with strategic-level experience, gained in any sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives of young people. The successful candidate will be supported through induction, training and an appropriate transition period to take on the chair role.

About Smarden Primary and Nursery (https://www.smarden-tkat.org/#)
At Smarden, we believe that all children thrive in an environment in which they are happy, challenged and secure: secure in the knowledge they are safe and cared for; challenged to achieve their best; and happy in the knowledge they are each appreciated for their individuality and their achievements.

We have high expectations of all our children in every aspect of school life. We endeavour to enable them each to achieve their potential through high standards of behaviour and outstanding learning experiences. We aim to enable them to develop self-confidence and independence, recognising that each and everyone has a part to play as a responsible member of our learning community.

The environment we provide for this is stimulating and exciting with recognition that education takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

Within our community, we welcome the parents and carers of our pupils, acknowledging the vital role they play in the education of their children. An active partnership and effective collaboration between home and school ensures our children are provided with a start to their life that they deserve as unique individuals.

At Smarden, we strive to do the best we can for our children in the way that is best for them. Our school is all about our children and as a result of this we invest time in making sure that the professionals who work with them maintain the highest standards.

About TKAT

Smarden is part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT - https://www.tkat.org/). TKAT is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South & East of England with 45 Special, Primary, Secondary and All through Academies in the TKAT Family. Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership and learning for all. Within TKAT, the shared and common purpose is to work together as a community of schools to ensure that every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. We place a high value on collaboration; "achieving more together", giving staff the opportunity to come together and learn, ensuring a shared sense of purpose across our network and by sharing expertise across the Trust.

Role specification:
The Trust is a charity, and its Board of Trustees must ensure that it complies with its charitable objectives, which relate to the provision of education in its schools. As such, it is the Trust Board that is accountable for the performance of the Academies in the Trust, and in turn, it is held to account by the Department for Education. The Trust has appointed committees for each of its Academies, and these are known as Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). The LGB's responsibilities are set out here in the TKAT scheme of delegation.
The specific tasks and responsibilities of our LGBs can be summarised as

*Represent the Academy's local community and stakeholders by ensuring that the Academy's policies and practice meet the community's needs

*Ensure that the Academy's long-term vision reflects the needs of its community beyond current post-holders, and is in line with TKAT's vision and values

*Support Directors of Education to improve Academy outcomes

*Support the Headteacher to ensure staffing is efficient and effective

There are normally 6 governing body meetings per year, plus very occasional short meetings for the pay committee. It is expected that the Chair will attend as many in-person meetings as possible, although some meetings may be virtual. The Chair will also be expected to carry out termly school monitoring visits, and support school events where possible.

Person specification:

The trust is open to candidates from a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence to lead the LGB.

All TKAT schools are community schools, and it would be helpful if the successful candidate had some understanding of the school's local context. Above all, the successful candidate must uphold and support the school's values and ethos, and its desire for excellence. Previous Chair or school governor experience is welcome, but not essential. There will be an induction and transition period to help the new Chair into the role.

Investing in our governors is a priority for us, and we can offer you:

*A comprehensive induction programme

*Excellent ongoing governor and education CPD, and opportunities to network with other schools and governors across the trust

*Free membership of the National Governance Association (NGA)

*Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a Work/Volunteer/Life Balance

*Access to trust resources and materials to support governance

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes apply to all governors, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Our Commitment - Equal, Inclusive, Diverse

TKAT is committed to inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity by encouraging and welcoming differences, listening to individual experiences, aspirations and accomplishments and learning how to grow better together. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of any protected characteristic.

Application

The deadline for applications is Sunday 30th November 2025.
If you would like to apply, please complete a copy of this application form and send it with a brief CV to david.churchill@tkat.org

Access to interview

Should you be selected and invited to interview with the Director of Education and Headteacher, please let us know if you require us to adapt the interview environment for you. If we can accommodate practical adjustments to assist, we will.