The Opportunity

Benenden School

Clerk to Governing Council

Full Time (37.5 hours per week), All Year Round

Salary : Competitive dependent on skills and experience

Start date : 1 December 2025 (or as soon as possible)

The Clerk to the Governing Council plays a critical role in ensuring the effective governance of Benenden School. Drawing on best practices from leading independent schools, the Clerk will support the Chair of Governors, Council and Senior Leadership Team members in fulfilling their strategic, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Key responsibilities include:

• Governance Oversight and Compliance

• Meeting Management and Documentation

• Training, Induction and Communication

• Strategic and Inspection Support

• Panel Support and Appeals

We are seeking applications from candidates who are excellent communicators, proactive and approachable; who have a talent for collaboration with our outstanding executive and non-executive leadership teams; who are experienced in overseeing best-in-class governance in a comparable (but not necessarily identical) environment; and who will relish playing an active role in our brilliant and supportive school community. A legal or governance qualification is essential as is excellent written and oral communication skills; diplomacy and discretion. Applicants must have a good understanding of charity law, educational regulations, safeguarding and data protection.

About Benenden School

Benenden is one of the leading day and boarding schools in Britain. We were founded in 1923 and are situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent. There are 550 girls in the school, aged 11-18, with 190 of those in the Sixth Form. Benenden is at the forefront of girls’ education in the UK. We are an ambitious school, with recent developments including a state-of-the-art Science Centre and All-Weather Sports Pitch, and the newly established Centenary Hall and Sir David K.P. Li Music School.

Benefits

Benenden offers its own generous pay structure, responsibility allowances and benefits. Staff are provided with meals whilst on duty. The school’s leisure facilities, including wonderful grounds, a fitness gym and swimming pool are also available for staff to use.

For a full Job Description, and to apply, please complete the application form on the vacancies page of our website www.benenden.school. Completed applications should be received by midnight on 23 October 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 10 November 2025 in person at Benenden School.

The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact.  They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times, this appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. Whilst Benenden isn’t accredited to the Living Wage Foundation, we do look to the Living Wage for guidance and our starting pay is currently in line with this.