Chair of the Board of Governors

ISC group; Musselburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Scotland is seeking a Chair of the Board of Governors to provide strategic leadership. This influential role involves overseeing governance and performance while ensuring financial oversight. The candidate should possess strong leadership skills, and experience in strategic planning and performance evaluation is essential. This is an unremunerated position with an expected commitment of 2/3 days per month, allowing representation at various events within the school community.

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level leadership experience.
• Experience working with executive and non-executive teams.
• Strong background in strategic planning and financial oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to shape the long-term direction of the School.
• Oversee governance and performance.
• Represent Loretto at internal and external events.

Job description

Chair of the Board of Governors

As the current Chair approaches the conclusion of their term, Loretto School is seeking an outstanding individual to take on the role of Chair of the Board of Governors, helping to lead the School into its next exciting chapter. This is a prestigious and influential strategic leadership position, supporting Scotland’s oldest boarding school and one of its most distinctive educational communities.

About Loretto School

Founded in 1827, Loretto has a proud heritage and a clear sense of purpose. The School combines strong academic ambition with a commitment to character, wellbeing and the holistic development of young people, all within a close-knit and values‑driven community. With an established reputation and a forward‑looking vision, Loretto continues to evolve while remaining true to its founding principles.

Main Purpose of the Role

The role of Chair is wide‑ranging and impactful. Working in close partnership with the Head and senior leadership team, the Chair, along with the Board of Governors, provides strategic leadership to shape the long‑term direction of the School.

Responsibilities include overseeing governance and performance, ensuring robust financial oversight and upholding the highest standards of accountability.

Alongside fellow Governors, the Chair also plays a key ambassadorial role, representing Loretto at internal and external events and engaging with the wider school community.

The expected time commitment is approximately 2/3 days per month, with meetings usually held in person at the School’s campus in Musselburgh. This is an unremunerated role; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Experience & Skills

The successful candidate will be a proven senior‑level leader, with experience of working effectively with both executive and non‑executive teams. A strong background in areas such as strategic planning, performance evaluation and financial oversight is essential, as are excellent communication and interpersonal skills. While prior experience in the education sector would be an advantage, it is not essential. There is no need to be an OL/former pupil.

Find out more about the required skills and experience in the job description.

Application

Applications should be made by submission of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is 28th February 2026. To Claire Watt: [e-mail].

The successful candidate will take up the role from the start of the 2026/27 academic year, with opportunities to engage with the School during the preceding year to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

For further information about the role, please contact the Clerk to the Governors, Claire Watt, at [e-mail].

Loretto is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Loretto meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The cost of this application will be met by the School. Annually, every member of staff at the School is required to undergo, complete, and sign to confirm that they have received child protection training and will uphold it.