Wildwood Nature School seeks a voluntary Trustee to support its small, nature-based primary school. Ideal for an experienced leader who shares the school’s child-centred ethos and can provide governance, strategic insight, and constructive challenge.

Description

Voluntary role

At Wildwood Nature School we have a very alternative approach to primary education.

Our children spend over half of their time outside in nature and we prioritise their emotional well-being above all else.

We are very small, with up to 30 children, all learning together in a mixed age environment.

We are now seeking a Trustee (Governor) to join our Board and support the development of the school as we grow.

This is a really exciting opportunity, not just to shape the future of our tiny school, but to evolve a new child-centred approach to primary education.

About the role

This is an unpaid, voluntary position. Trustees meet three times a year (one meeting per term), with occasional additional input as needed. Trustees are expected to act in accordance with our Trustee Code of Conduct and to uphold the values and ethos of Wildwood Nature School.

Experience we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in candidates who have held senior leadership roles in independent schools, such as:

Headteacher;

Deputy or Assistant Head;

Bursar or senior operational leader;

Who should apply

Just as important as experience is a genuine alignment with our vision for a different kind of education — one that honours childhood, prioritises well-being, and recognises the profound value of time spent in nature.

We are committed to ensuring that our trustee body is a reflection of the wider community which we serve and to increasing diversity in school governance, and warmly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds, as well as from other under-represented groups.

The role

The trustees at Wildwood Nature School are collectively responsible for the quality, safety and strategic direction of the school. As well as supporting the other trustees with overseeing that Wildwood provides a high-quality education and keeps pupils safe and well, we need particular support with the business and operational realities of running an independent school.

You will bring strategic insight into, and be willing to support the school in areas such as:

Financial oversight and sustainability;

Marketing, admissions and reputation-building;

Strategic planning and logistics;

Governance and regulatory compliance;

Risk management.

You will:

Offer insight, wisdom and good judgement;

Provide constructive challenge;

Be a critical friend to the senior leaders;

Ensure a culture of trust, openness, respect and strong relationships;

Hold senior leaders to account.

We are a charitable organisation and adhere to UK Charity Commission guidelines. While this trustee role includes ensuring our charitable objectives are met, the person hired would not be a director/trustee of the charitable company itself, but a trustee/governor of the school.

Why join us?

As a trustee at Wildwood, you will play a meaningful role in shaping an innovative, values-led school and supporting a passionate team committed to reimagining education for the future.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our application form outlining your experience and interest in supporting Wildwood Nature School.

Applicants must be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check and other checks as part of safeguarding requirements and comply with the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding policy.

We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to our ethos and vision, and who will support the highest standards of governance and child safety.