Chair of Governors – Littlegarth School

Littlegarth School is seeking a Chair of Governors to succeed Mr Jim Keohane, who will step down at Easter 2027 on completing his distinguished term of office.

The incoming Chair will take office a term before the school’s new Head, Chris Baalham, arrives in September 2027 to succeed Kathy Uttley, who retires in summer 2027 after six years of exceptional leadership.

The new Chair of Governors will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the next chapter of a thriving preparatory school and strengthen its excellent reputation across the region
• Guide the Board through an important leadership transition as the new Head’s principal partner, supporter and critical friend
• Develop governance and leadership skills in a dynamic educational environment
• Make a lasting impact on pupils, staff and the wider Littlegarth community

Littlegarth School is a thriving co-educational preparatory school for approximately 300 pupils aged two to eleven, set in the beautiful surroundings of Horkesley Park on the Essex–Suffolk border. Founded in Dedham in 1940, the school combines academic ambition with warmth, kindness and a deep sense of community. Described by The Good Schools Guide as “a day school which channels the boarding school ethos”, Littlegarth offers breadth of opportunity, a strong sense of belonging and a spirit of adventure, and sends its pupils on to leading independent senior schools and grammar schools.

Littlegarth enters this period from a position of strength, with healthy pupil numbers, sustained investment in its facilities and a strong regional reputation. The next Chair will help ensure that the school remains financially resilient, educationally ambitious and true to the values that have defined it since 1940.

If this is an opportunity that appeals to you, and you believe that you may have the required skills, experience and attributes to be a Chair of Governors, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics by email to arrange a confidential discussion with either:

• Louisa Barham, Search Consultant: louisabarham@rsacademics.com
• Andrew Nott, Senior Consultant: andrewnott@rsacademics.com

Littlegarth 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 candidate will be asked to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service for an Enhanced Disclosure.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.