Governor positions
Manchester High School for Girls – Governor Vacancies
| Vacancy: | Governor positions |
| Salary: | Voluntary and unremunerated (reasonable expenses are reimbursed) |
| Duration: | One term in first instance four years, with option for 2 or 3 terms (8 or I2 years) |
| Application: | Please submit a CV and covering letter (up to 2 pages) explaining why the roleinterests you and how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience areas we areseeking. Please send by email to sarahramsbottom@icloud.com. |
| Deadine: | Monday 8th June 2026 at 9am |
Manchester High School for Girls is currently seeking to appoint new Governors to join its Governing Body.
Manchester High School for Girls is one of the leading academically selective independent girls' day schools in the country, providing an excellent educational experience for four to 18 year-olds. Founded in 1874, the School has a long and distinguished history and made a pioneering contribution to the development of women’s education. All three of Mrs Pankhurst’s daughters were educated here. The School takes its inspiration from its traditions and continues to produce students who distinguish themselves in many professions, becoming role models of successful and influential women. The character of the School has also been shaped by its accessibility to pupils from a wide variety of social, cultural and religious backgrounds so that a diverse community has developed which both values individuality and promotes tolerance.
Our students are not only empowered to achieve their academic potential; they also leave us as ambitious, principled young women who are ready to take on the world. Our students aim high and love learning for its own sake. We build character, students develop resilience, curiosity and confidence and the skills that enable them to be the very best they can be.
The School is a non-denominational, independent day school, which has charitable status. It is also a member of the Girls’ Schools Association and of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools.
Role Description and Responsibilities
In addition to attending approximately four Governing Body meetings per annum, you will be expected to provide further advice and input to one or two of the committees of the Governing Body (Personnel, Academic Development, Estates, Finance, Marketing and Development). Each meets three times a year apart from Finance which meets on four occasions. Generally Full Governing Body meetings take place in person at the School with committee meeting mainly being held remotely via Teams. In addition, working groups are formed to discuss and address shorter term pertinent issues.
Overall Purpose of the Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Manchester High School for Girls, developing and monitoring the implementation of the School’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Articles of Association and legal and regulatory guidelines.
Main Responsibilities
• To determine the overall direction and development of the School through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To ensure that the School and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with the School’s governing documents.
• To uphold the fiduciary duty invested in the position, in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the School and is not undermined by conflicts of interest.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive information received while carrying out these responsibilities.
Additionally, Governors have a responsibility to support the Head Mistress and staff of the School, whilst holding the Senior Leadership Team to account. They are advocates for the School and may be seen as role models for the students.
Skills
We are looking for Governors with excellent judgement, integrity, strategic and commercial awareness and good interpersonal skills, being able to remain objective and challenge supportively. We would be delighted to hear from anyone with experience in the areas below:
Property
• Professional background in property development, surveying, architecture, construction, or estate management
Experience overseeing or advising on capital projects or facilities in an institutional, corporate, or public setting
Experience of facilities management, health and safety and risk management related to premises.
Promote responsible environmental practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable building management across the estate
Business and Finance
• Financial management experience including forecasting, modelling and budgeting
Experience of the benefits and risks of external financing
• Willingness to work with the DFO and engage in the detail of the financial management of the School, when necessary
• Likely to be a qualified accountant but not essential
Marketing
Experience of strategy and campaigns to attract new students, support recruitment and strengthen brand identity
Able to support admissions on strategies to attract new students and manage recruitment from feeder and other local schools
Experience in building and implementing digital strategies in organisations
Ensure consistency consistent of messaging and identity across all school publications, advertising, and digital platforms.
Advise on management of website, social media channels, and online reputation to keep families updated and engaged.
Fundraising
• Experience of significant fundraising campaigns in the charitable or educational sector
Contribute to strategic discussions about income generation, partnerships and community engagement
• Experience of engagement with charitable foundations and grant making bodies
• Able to consult on fundraising for key events and on an ongoing basis
Understanding of strategic fundraising and financial oversight principles.
Education
• An education leader who has experience in the Independent schools sector at a reputable school.
• Able to be a sounding board for the Head Mistress and provide insight around good practice.
Eligibility
Some people are disqualified by law from acting as trustees, including anyone described in sections 178 to 180 of the Charities Act 2011. This includes those who:
• have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception
• are currently declared bankrupt (or subject to bankruptcy restrictions or an interim order)
• have an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) to pay off debts with creditors
are disqualified from being a company director
• are subject to an order made under section 429(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986
have previously been removed as a trustee by the Charity Commission, the Scottish charity regulator or the High Court due to misconduct or mismanagement
have been removed from management or control of anybody under section 34(5)(e) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (or earlier legislation)
are disqualified from being a trustee by an order of the Charity Commission under section 181A of the Charities Act 2011
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/automatic-disqualification-rules-for-charity-trustees-and-charity-seniorpositions
Commitment to Diversity
In accordance with our commitment to promote equality of opportunity and diversity across all of our areas of work and to reflect the diverse student community the Governors serve, we particularly welcome applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Trustee Compliance and Duties
For more detailed guidance please see the Charity Commission’s guide: The essential trustee: what you need to know. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-needto-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do
For any further information, please contact Sarah Ramsbottom, the Chair of the Governing Body (sarahramsbottom@icloud.com) or tel: 0161 224 0447.
If you would like to join the Governing Body of one of leading independent girls' day schools in the country, please send a brief CV and a covering letter (by email only) that demonstrates your suitability for the vacancy to Sarah Ramsbottom. Your application should reach us by 9:00am on 8 June 2026 and will be assessed by the Governing Body’s Nominations Committee.
Further details of Manchester High School for Girls can be found at: www.manchesterhigh.co.uk
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicants will be subject to recruitment checks appropriate to the role including an enhanced DBS check.
Registered Charity 1164323 Company Number 9665070.