Job Description
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Join Edith Borthwick School as a Governor - Help Us Make a Real Difference
Are you passionate about education and eager to contribute to the lives of young people with special needs? Edith Borthwick School invites you to become a valued member of our governing body, where your voice and expertise will help shape the future of a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to enabling every learner to reach - and go beyond - their potential.
About Edith Borthwick School
Edith Borthwick is a highly successful community special school supporting learners aged 3 to 19 with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and autism. Since opening our purpose-built site in Braintree in 2015, we have grown to over 245 learners, offering outstanding facilities including a large field, multi-use games area (MUGA), sensory bus, sensory garden, and mud garden.
Our school's heart beats with a commitment to personalised education, supported by a skilled multi-disciplinary team including onsite therapists and family key workers. We pride ourselves on the warm, respectful, and supportive relationships between staff, learners, and families. Our vision - to enable everyone to reach and go beyond their potential - is lived daily through our values of Respect, Encourage, Achieve, Care, and Have Fun.
Our current priorities focus on enriching our curriculum, safeguarding our learners, embedding therapy across classrooms, promoting mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring sustainable financial planning to maintain the highest standards of education and care.
About the Role: School Governor
As a Governor at Edith Borthwick, you will join a collaborative team working closely with school leaders to oversee the strategic direction, policies, and overall performance of the school. This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to influence and support the education of some of the most vulnerable learners in our community.
You will be involved in key areas such as:
- Monitoring and challenging the school's progress against its improvement priorities, including reading development and mental health support
- Ensuring the school's resources are used effectively to deliver value for money and excellent learner outcomes
- Supporting the leadership team to maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all learners and staff
- Your contributions will have a direct impact on the lives of learners, their families, and the wider school community.
About You
You bring a genuine commitment to the welfare and achievement of children with special educational needs. Whether you have professional experience in education, health, finance, business, or another sector, your skills and insights will add value to our governing body.
We are looking for someone who:
- Thinks strategically and critically, yet works collaboratively and constructively
- Is willing to invest time and energy into understanding the school's unique context and challenges
- Has common sense, integrity, and a passion for making a positive difference
- Embraces the values of respect, encouragement, achievement, care, and fun
- No prior experience as a governor is necessary; what matters most is your enthusiasm to learn, contribute, and support our learners to thrive.
- willing to attend training course i.e. safeguarding
What We Offer
- The chance to be part of a dedicated and supportive governing body committed to excellence in special education
- Opportunities for personal growth and development through governor training and networking
- A warm, welcoming community where your voice is valued and your contribution makes a tangible difference
- Insight into the workings of a leading special school with outstanding facilities and a strong vision for the future
How to Apply
Please contact the school for an application by phoning 01376 529300 or emailing admin@edithborthwick.essex.sch.uk. Or complete the application via this website. For further information on the role, please contact Stephanie Taylor (Chair of Governors) via stephaniet@edithborthwick.essex.sch.uk.