Governor Information
Becoming a Governor
School governors are volunteers who want to make a positive contribution to children's education. They do not need to be education experts or have formal qualifications.
The most effective governors are those who:
- listen, think and ask questions
- believe that education is important
- take an interest in the role of schools in the community
- can work with others and assimilate a wide range of information and data
- have a willingness to learn
- have sound communication skills
- are prepared to give time to doing the job well
Types of Governors
There are different types of Governors but they are all equal within the Governing Body.
Co-Opted: Appointed by the governing body to represent community interests; often local business people or community figures.
Foundation: Appointed governors who supports the Christian values of the school.
Parent: Parents, including carers, of pupils; elected by other parents at the school, or appointed by the governing body if insufficient numbers for an election.
Staff: Headteacher is a Staff governor by virtue of their office. Other staff, both teaching and support (as long as they are paid rather than volunteers), are elected by the school staff.
LA: Appointed by the Local Authority; some may come from political parties while others may be volunteers from the local area with no political affiliation who would like to become a governor. Primarily appointed with a view to their commitment to raise standards ate the school.
The governing body
Individual governors have no power or responsibility. It is only the full governing body that has legal duties and powers. However, all governors share in that corporate responsibility. The governing body acts as a critical friend by offering advice and support, and helping the school to respond to the needs of pupils, parents and the community.
The school's direction is agreed by the governing body, headteacher and senior leadership team, who also make sure the school is meeting its target.
The headteacher and staff manage the school on a day-to-day basis.
Governors are appointed for a four year term. The full governing body meets every term, and comprises of two smaller committees, Teaching and Learning and Finance, Premises and Staffing. These committees also meet once a term.