Clerk to the Governors

CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS
Candidate Information

HEAD MASTER’S
WELCOME

Dulwich Prep & Senior is a single school with a shared
purpose; it is divided into five distinct sections, each
spanning two or three year groups, led by a Head of
Section. The autonomy of the different Sections
stimulates a creative approach to teaching and learning,
as well as pride in the achievements of each cohort. It
has helped attract very high-quality, specialised staff and
enable appropriate levels of support, encouragement
and challenge to be tailored expertly to each stage of a
child’s development.

Finally, we seek staff members who exemplify our
values, serving as role models to our pupils, inspiring
them, and encouraging thoughtful, compassionate
decision-making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Louise Davidson
Head Master

As the Head Master of Dulwich Prep & Senior, it is my
honour to introduce you to our remarkable school. For
over 140 years, we have inspired boys aged 3 to 13,
along with Nursery-aged girls, to pursue their dreams.

In September 2025, we expanded our provision to serve
boys up to age 16 by opening our new senior school.
Our first Year 9 cohort began in September 2025, and
we will naturally grow, with the first group sitting their
GCSEs in the summer of 2028. Since 2023, our co-
educational Nursery (3+) has welcomed Fledglings (2+),
now covering ages 2 to 4 years old. From Reception
onwards, we are a boys-only school.

We are privileged to have developed a specific pedagogy
that fosters critical thinking, exploration, and strong
communication skills while recognising that each child is
on their own journey of discovery. Our commitment to
nurturing the whole child ensures a diverse and
enriched education, helping pupils achieve beyond
expectations.

Embedding the Dulwich Prep & Senior Values is crucial
for developing the character skills needed in today’s fast-
paced world. These values promote empathy and
compassion, essential for resilience and success in any
endeavour, both during and beyond their educational
journey. Our partnership with parents and guardians is
key to the school’s success.

ABOUT US

Located in Dulwich, a picturesque village known for its
exceptional schools and abundant open spaces, our
school benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s
most cosmopolitan cities.

We are situated across two sites covering 29 acres,
including extensive sports fields and woodland, which
enables the school to offer a unique blend of a country
atmosphere in a suburban setting.

Dulwich Prep & Senior has been a leading school in
England since 1885. Throughout the years, countless
boys and Nursery-aged girls have benefited from our
school’s rich history and forward-thinking approach. We
have always embraced change, kept pace with pedagogy
and technology, and, most importantly, are passionate
about each pupil and staff member’s individual journey.

We enrol over 800 pupils aged 2 to 16. Our selection
process is two-fold: we look for pupils who generally
rank in the top 20% nationally based on standardised
tests, but more importantly, we seek children who will
thrive and make the most of all that our school has to
offer.

We take great pride in inspiring excellence with our
Values ethos permeating every aspect of our curriculum
and co-curricular activities.

Academic excellence is a top priority, with 12 essential
skills taught for success in education and beyond. Along
with the Values, these 20 attributes empower boys to
thrive in any future they choose. Expectations are high!
We develop independent thinkers who make decisions
based on empathy and compassion, which leads to their
success and resilience.

Our Governors play a crucial role in maintaining Dulwich
Prep & Senior’s position in a competitive market. Their
expertise enables us to offer an innovative and
challenging curriculum within a high-quality learning
environment, achieved by attracting excellent staff,
implementing up-to-date technology, and continually
improving our modern facilities.

Dulwich Prep & Senior provides a well-rounded
education focusing on academic excellence, character
development, and personal growth. We strive to nurture
boys to become confident, compassionate, and
prepared to make a positive impact on the world. For
the boys attending this school, their journey goes
beyond exam preparation; it prepares them for life.

OUR VALUES

Our eight values are the heart of our school and provide a powerful educational framework as well as being strong values for life. By demonstrating Love, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice,
Service, Self-Discipline, and Honesty, our pupils gain greater insight into themselves, others, and the ever-changing world in which they live. We have formed four value pairings, each with an
emotive statement that together encapsulate the spirit of Dulwich Prep & Senior, making our values truly unique to our school.

We advocate the transformative power of
love and service. We encourage our pupils
to make heartfelt contributions that uplift
others.

We inspire our pupils to pursue
their aspirations with unwavering
courage and seize every opportunity to
learn and grow.

This fosters an environment where  pupils
support one another, building a culture of
mutual respect and collaboration.

Through acts of kindness and selfless
service, our collective passion creates a
ripple  effect that enriches lives and
spreads joy far beyond our school.

We cultivate self-discipline in our
boys, encouraging them to
prioritise long-term achievements over
short-term gratifications.

They learn to take responsibility for
their actions, seek help when needed,
and strive for excellence in all they do.

By acting with Love & Service, these values
create our home for kindness and
community.

By acting with Courage & Self-
Discipline, these values create
our passion for excellence and growth.

We champion honesty and justice, urging
our boys to embrace truth and
authenticity in all aspects of their lives.

We teach our pupils to empathise with
others, to be respectful, and to be
accepting of another’s perspective.

We empower our pupils to act with
integrity, be upstanding in their beliefs,
and communicate their perspectives
respectfully.

We ensure that everyone feels valued
within our close-knit community and that
our boys understand that greater
satisfaction can come from helping others.

Our boys develop a strong sense of
justice, understanding and advocating for
what is right.

Our pupils understand the power of
gratitude and humility and how they are
key to having a happy and fulfilling life.

By acting with Honesty & Justice, these
values create our spirit for bravery and
integrity.

By acting with Gratitude & Humility, these
values create our mindset for respect and
appreciation.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Clerk to the Governors is the school’s governance professional — the guide, guardian and facilitator of effective, compliant governance. The role ensures that the Governing Body operates
within legal, regulatory and constitutional frameworks, and that its work is well-organised, transparent and properly recorded. The Clerk also holds responsibility for GDPR, data protection and
policy-management tasks, which must be kept clearly distinct from governance decision-making, preserving confidentiality and professional boundaries. The role has a dual reporting line to both
the Chair of Governors and the Bursar.

CORE CLERK (GOVERNANCE PROFESSIONAL) DUTIES

GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE

EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF MEETINGS

• Ensure governance is carried out in accordance with
the school’s Governing Instrument, regulatory bodies
and statutory requirements.

• Manage size, membership and composition of the

Governing Body, including appointments, retirements
and term-of-office records.

• Ensure changes to legislation or school status affecting

governance are identified and communicated.

• Maintain compliance with the Charity Commission and

Companies House records.

GOVERNANCE ADVICE

• Provide professional advice to the Chair and Governing

Body on governance best practice and regulatory
requirements.

• Know how to access legal/regulatory advice and

support external guidance where required.

• Advise on the annual cycle of governing body work and

calendar planning.

• Work with the Chair to prepare focused agendas.

• Coordinate timely distribution of papers.

• Ensure meetings are quorate.

• Record attendance and all procedural notes.

• Produce accurate minutes with clear action owners

and timescales.

• Maintain signed minutes and ensure publication of

approved documents.

GOVERNOR RECRUITMENT & ONBOARDING

•

Liaise with HR to ensure statutory vetting checks (e.g.
identity checks, right-to-work verification, DBS checks,
and other safer recruitment checks) are conducted in a
timely manner.

TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT & STATUTORY
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee governor training, ensure statutory

safeguarding requirements and maintain records of
training.

• Coordinate professional development opportunities.

GOVERNANCE RECORDS & WEBSITE

• Maintain accurate governance records.

• Keep governance information updated on the school

website.

PANELS & ADDITIONAL GOVERNANCE FUNCTIONS

• Clerk statutory appeal and complaint panels.

• Support the Head Master and Bursar appraisal and

• Register governors with Companies House / Charity

appointment processes.

Commission.

• Maintain records of pecuniary interests, skills audits

and attendance.

• Prepare induction materials and support new

Governors.

PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS &
CONFIDENTIALITY

• Maintain strict confidentiality, including sensitive

information relating to pupils, staff, governors and
parents.

• Manage boundaries professionally between
governance, leadership and operations.

• Maintain professional relationships with all

stakeholders.

GDPR, POLICIES &
DATA PROTECTION
(REPORTABLE TO BURSAR)

DATA PROTECTION

• Act as operational lead for GDPR-related

administration.

PERSON
SPECIFICATION

KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Experience clerking a governing body (desirable;

training available).

• Excellent minute-taking.

•

Liaise with the School’s Data Protection Officer.

• Strong governance/legal/school compliance

• Manage Subject Access Requests end-to-end.

• Maintain a strong understanding of GDPR legislation.

knowledge.

• GDPR/Data Protection expertise.

• Company Secretary experience (desirable).

• Uphold accuracy, integrity and impartiality.

POLICIES

• Participate in regular performance management and

• Maintain the statutory policy schedule and legal

professional development.

requirements.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Ensure policy owners review and update policies

• Professional and confident presence.

annually.

• Ensure updated policies are published and properly

archived.

• Advise the Chair on policies requiring Board approval.

• Proactive, calm and dependable.

• Team-focused and collaborative.

• Discreet, principled and impartial.

ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Assist in drafting the Parent Contract.

• Maintain governance archive materials.

• Support the Bursar with the administration of

complaints and file collation.

WORKING AT
DULWICH PREP & SENIOR

Dulwich Prep & Senior is an inspiring and vibrant place to work. We have a large yet incredibly warm community of passionate teachers, inquisitive pupils, a hard-working and friendly
support team and ambitious parents. Together, we create a supportive environment dedicated to achieving excellence.

Working at DPS means being part of a team that cares about your continued professional development and teaching journey. Whether you join us at the beginning, middle, or towards
the end of your career, you will be guided, supported, and encouraged every step of the way to achieve your goals. For example, our CPD might involve training for whole-school
initiatives, participating in ‘Learning Walks’ around the school, conducting Lesson Studies, or pursuing further formal academic qualifications.

Staff are encouraged to participate in as many of the vast array of sporting and drama activities as possible. From all-nighter charity swims to Saturday park runs to our fabulous drama
productions, there’s always something going on at DPS, where hidden talents are celebrated.

REMUNERATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Competitive Salary of £14,280 to  £16,515 (based on full-time salary of

£34,730 to £40,165).

• Generous defined contribution pension scheme.

• Life assurance and Income protection insurance (academic staff).

• Free school lunches.

• Enhanced sickness, maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

entitlements.

• Free access to our School Counsellor and School Nurse.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Wide range of professional development opportunities.

• School fee remission.

• Easter and Summer holiday camp discounts.

• Healthcare Cash Plan scheme.

• Employee assistance programme.

• Hours of Work: 0.41 FTE / equivalent to 20 hours a week. Usually to be worked over
three days per week, term-time only. Some flexibility in work arrangements will be
necessary to accommodate the peaks and troughs of workload over the course of a
year, and there may be the possibility of overtime.

• Attendance at all Governor meetings (typically evenings, currently six per year).

• All INSET days, Open Mornings and other relevant events listed in the School

calendar.

• Depending on the school’s requirements at any time, these hours are subject to the
terms and conditions of a Contract of Employment and to amendment by the Head
Master from time to time.

• Staff may be called to perform other duties that the Head Master considers reasonable

and commensurate with the grading and designation of the post.

• The first six months of this role will be a probationary period during which your

suitability for the position will be assessed. The school reserves the right to extend
probationary periods if it believes such an extension is necessary.

STAFF BENEFITS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Healthcare Cash Plan
• Medical, including dental and optical, treatment,
access to a virtual GP, skin health tracker and the
'mProve' yourself App.

Employee Assistance Programme
• Provides free and confidential advice, including up

to eight face-to-face counselling sessions.

School counsellor & nurse
• Access to School counsellor and School Nurse

during term time.

Wellbeing Initiatives
• Sky Lounge, TGIF and staff room treats.

Physical Exercise
•

Free access to the school’s on-site gym, outside of
teaching hours.

• Discounted gym membership and Cycle to Work

scheme.

Meals & Refreshments
• Breakfast (for a small charge), Morning snack and

lunch, coffee and tea, and plant-based milks
available.

Occupational Health
• Professional help to both staff and the school

where work-related adjustments may be required.

Pay & Pension
• Generous pension scheme.
• Pay policy including regular benchmarking of our

salary scales.

• Pension salary exchange scheme.

Protection
•
•

Life assurance.
Income protection insurance (academic staff only).

School Fees
• 25% discount, after which any further discount is

means-tested.

• Easter and summer holiday camp discounts.

Financial Support
• High street discounts.
• Emergency financial assistance.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• School laptop provided to staff (where relevant to

the role).

• 175 teaching days per year (190 in the maintained

sector).

• Smaller class sizes, great teaching resources and

higher PPA time.

• Staff Accommodation may be available.

FAMILY FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE
WORKING ARRANGMENTS

Enhanced Leave
• Enhanced sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption,

dependents, carers, and bereavement leave
entitlements.

Flexible working policy.

Working Hours
•
• Part-time and Term-time working.
•

Flexibility to work from home (only applies to
certain roles and with agreement).

Inclusion
•
• Disability Confident employer.

Life event recognition

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INSET and twilight training.

Career Development
•
• Career pathways.
• Mentoring or career coaching.
•

Full CPD programme.

Qualifications
• Early career teacher programme.
• National professional qualifications support.
• Apprenticeships.
•

Financial support for professional qualifications.

APPLICATION & APPOINTMENT

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

A completed Application Form and a Cover Letter explaining your suitability for this role should be emailed to Tamsin
Hutson, Human Resources Manager. Please also read the accompanying Application & Recruitment Process Explanatory
Note. We reserve the right to appoint at any time during the recruitment process.

• Closing Date: Monday 30 March 2026, 9am

•

Interviews: Week Beginning 13 April 2026

• Start Date: Immediate start available subject to satisfactory completion of the referencing and vetting process.

APPOINTMENT

Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon
the following:

• The agreement of a mutually acceptable start date
and your entering into a contract incorporating the
school’s standard terms and conditions.

• Receipt of at least two references which are

satisfactory to the school.

• Verification of identity and qualifications, including

evidence of the right to work in the UK.

• A satisfactory enhanced criminal records check

through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and
clearance of the Children’s Barred List, and
confirmation that you are not disqualified from
providing childcare.

• Verification of your medical fitness for the role.

• Satisfactory completion of the probationary period.

• Any further checks that the School deems necessary
if you have lived or worked outside of the UK, which
will include an overseas criminal records check or
certificate of good conduct and may include
professional references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
& SAFEGUARDING

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective
employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual
orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity,
or marriage and civil partnership.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all
backgrounds. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all
employees are valued and respected for their unique perspectives and contributions.

Candidates will only be assessed against relevant criteria (i.e., skills, qualifications, abilities,
experience) in selection and recruitment. In accordance with the Disability Discrimination
Act, Dulwich Prep & Senior seeks to treat those with disabilities as favourably as those
without disabilities. Accordingly, we will make reasonable arrangements, wherever
practicable, to avoid putting those with disabilities at a disadvantage.

SAFEGUARDING
Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s and young
people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants
must be willing to undergo child protection screening and training appropriate to the post,
including checks with past employers, online checks, and an enhanced criminal records
check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunity

employer and welcome applications

from individuals of all backgrounds.

We believe in fostering a diverse

and inclusive work environment

where all employees are valued and

respected for their unique

perspectives and contributions.

We are proud members of the

Schools Inclusion Alliance and the

Government’s Disability Confident

Scheme.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

APPLICATION FORM

1) Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the enclosed Application
Form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed Application Forms in
the absence of good reason.

2) Candidates should be aware that all posts in the school involve some degree of

responsibility for safeguarding children, although the extent of that responsibility will
vary according to the nature of the post. Please refer to the job description for the
position.

3) Accordingly, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and

therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’,
must be declared.

4) Due to the nature of the work, the School applies for an enhanced criminal record

disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) in respect of all prospective staff
members.

5) We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and may approach previous

employers for information to verify particular experience and qualifications, before the
interview.

INTERVIEW INVITATION

1)

If you are invited to interview, this will be conducted in person, and the areas which it will explore
will include safeguarding issues and suitability to work with children, as well as your previous
employment record.

2) All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and

professional qualifications that are necessary or relevant for the post (e.g. the original or certified
copy of certificates, diplomas etc). Where originals or certified copies are not available for the
successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must be obtained from
the awarding body.

3) All candidates invited to interview must also bring to the interview the following evidence of

identity, right to work in the UK, and address:

a) Passport;
b) birth certificate (if possible);
c)
d) where appropriate, any documentation evidencing a change of name.

recent utility bill or financial statement showing the candidate’s current name and address;

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS LISTED. PHOTOCOPIES
OR CERTIFIED COPIES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT: PRE-APPOINTMENT CHECKS

Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon:

6) Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a disclosure form regarding criminal

• Receipt of at least two satisfactory references (if these have not already been received).

disclosures and prohibitions relevant to working with children.

• Verification of identity, qualifications, professional status (where required).

7) Shortlisted applicants may also be subject to an online search as set out in KSCIE.

• Satisfactory DBS check at the enhanced level & checks of the Children’s Barred List as

8)

If you are currently working with children, on either a paid or voluntary basis, your
current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences, including disciplinary
offences relating to children or young persons (whether the disciplinary sanction is
current or time expired), and whether you have been the subject of any Safeguarding
(child protection) allegations or concerns and, if so, the outcome of any enquiry or
disciplinary procedure. If you are not currently working with children but have done so
in the past, that previous employer will be asked about those issues. Where neither
your current nor previous employment has involved working with children, your
current employer will still be asked about your suitability to work with children,
although it may, where appropriate, answer not applicable if your duties have not
brought you into contact with children or young persons.

9) You should be aware that the provision of false information is an offence and could

result in the application being rejected or summary dismissal if the applicant has been
selected, and possible referral to the police and the DBS.

appropriate.

• Verification of where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the

previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with
statutory guidance.

• Verification of medical fitness. The School is aware of its duties under the Equality Act 2010. No

job offer will be withdrawn without first consulting with the applicant, obtaining medical
evidence, considering reasonable adjustments and suitable alternative employment checks of
the lists held by the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA).

WARNING

Where a candidate is: found to be on the ISA Children’s Barred List, or the DBS disclosure shows
they have been disqualified from working with children by a Court; or found to have provided false
information in, or in support of, their application; or the subject of serious expressions of concern as
to their suitability to work with children the facts will be reported to the police and/or the DBS.