FE Governor

Greenhead College is an outstanding Sixth Form College located in the heart of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. With a long-established reputation for academic excellence and student-centred support, Greenhead has been one of the top-performing providers of A Level education in the country for over 25 years. It is the only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form college in Huddersfield and plays a vital role in delivering high-quality academic provision to young people across the region.

The College currently supports around 2,900 full-time 16–19-year-old students, with over 3,400 applications received annually for just 1,550 places, reflecting its popularity and the quality of its offer. Students typically study at least three A Levels, with a smaller vocational provision (CTEC), and benefit from a high-achieving and nurturing environment. Greenhead consistently sees 94% of students progress into Higher Education, with 20–30 students annually gaining places at Oxbridge and was the first college in the country to meet all eight GATSBY benchmarks for careers education.

Greenhead is defined not just by its academic outcomes but by the strength of its pastoral care, emotional support, and enrichment offer, with a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals. A dedicated counselling and wellbeing team, alongside passionate and experienced teaching staff, ensures that each student receives personalised support both inside and outside the classroom.

The College employs approximately 300 staff (full and part time) and has recently completed a transformational £35 million campus redevelopment, increasing its capacity by a further 150 students. The College is financially secure - with a ‘Good’ financial health rating and a £15 million annual turnover.

Greenhead is governed by a Corporation of 20 Governors, who bring a diverse range of skills and experience from the local area. Many have longstanding links to the College, including former students. The Board maintains a high level of engagement with College life and enjoys an excellent working relationship with the College Leadership Team (CLT), which is predominantly recruited from within the College.

Governance is active and strategic, with a clear focus on quality, inclusion, and future growth.

The College’s requirements

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's highest-performing Sixth Form Colleges. With the current Chair stepping down in July 2026, Greenhead College seeks a new Chair of Governors to lead its Corporation and provide strategic direction during a pivotal period in its development. The incoming Chair will work closely with the Principal, Governance Professional, and a diverse and engaged Governing Body, guiding the College through opportunities and challenges with confidence and clarity.

The Chair will be instrumental in supporting the College Leadership Team (CLT) as they respond to increased student demand, deliver the new Strategic Plan to 2030, and ensure continued excellence in education, pastoral care, and financial oversight. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the College, and the new Chair will play a central role in steering its future growth, strengthening its community impact, and reinforcing its commitment to student success.

The Chair of Governors will lead the Corporation in fulfilling its legal responsibilities under the Instrument and Articles of Government. They will set the tone for effective governance, ensuring that the Board maintains high standards of oversight and impact across all areas of the College’s operation. As Chair, they will provide both support and challenge to the Principal and the executive team, fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and accountability.

A key aspect of the role is facilitating high-quality decision-making. The Chair will ensure that meetings and committee structures are well-organised, purposeful, and outcomes-driven, allowing the Board to make informed and strategic choices. They will also champion the College’s purpose and principles, with a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. As part of this, the…