Chair of Governors – Solihull School

Solihull School is seeking a Chair of Governors to succeed Mr Damian Kelly, who is stepping down in July 2026, after 15 years of exceptional service, the last 4 years as Chair.

It is hoped that his successor will be appointed to the Board as a Governor to allow for a period of handover before taking over as Chair, ideally from September 2026.  

The Governors are seeking someone with a real commitment to the School and the education and development of its pupils. While the role is voluntary, the Chair of Governors will have the opportunity to: 

• Help to shape the future of the region’s leading independent, co-educational school and strengthen its already excellent position in the region’s educational landscape
• Develop governance and leadership skills in a dynamic educational environment
• Work with the Board and Leadership Team to make a lasting impact on pupils, staff and the broader school community

Solihull School is a leading 3–18 independent co-educational day school. Founded in 1560 and originally the Free Grammar School, Solihull became independent in 1946. The School admitted only boys until 1973, when girls joined the Sixth Form. It became fully co- educational in 2005 and, after a merger with St Martin’s School in 2020, Solihull became a through school from 3-18. In 2026, Solihull was awarded “West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Year” by the Sunday Times Schools Guide.

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 or

Kate Howe, Search Consultant: katehowe@rsacademics.com

• Solihull 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 welfareof children and young people.