WORK OF THE GOVERNING BODY

What are School Governors ?

The primary objective of School Governors is to ensure that the school is well run and in accordance with the school’s mission statement.

The Governors are volunteers who assist in determining the policy and ethos of our school.

The Board of Governors comprises people from differing backgrounds within the local community and who have varying experiences which they bring to this forum for the benefit of the school.

What do School Governors do?

School Governors lead the school but the Head Teacher is the Manager; the Governors help to formulate management strategy and the school’s goals (or objectives) that ensure the mission statement is achieved. Governors make a contribution in determining school policies affecting pupil discipline, agreeing expenditure, performance management, producing reports and provide support to parents and staff.

It is normal for a governor to serve for a period of four years as a maximum – there is no minimum period. Serving Governors can be re-elected and former Governors can apply to return to the fold.

There are benefits to becoming a school governor. School governors have the opportunity to:

1. Develop new skills and to strengthen existing ones – with training available for governors
2. Work with a wide range of people from a variety of social, cultural and religious backgrounds
3. Gain an idea of how schools are run and how the education system works as a whole
4. Enjoy the personal satisfaction and sense of achievement of working to improve the school
5. Enjoy using your skills for the good of the local community

Who can become a school governor?

Anyone can apply to become a governor, as long as they are over 18, enthusiastic about helping children get a good education and can spare about six hours a month. It is advantageous if your skills would add to those already available from the existing body. Typical useful proven skills would include counselling, marketing, strategic/financial planning, problem solving techniques, a legal background, team working abilities, Information Technology (IT) skills, Project Management, Health and Safety etc.

There are certain classifications of people who would be excluded from becoming a governor; these are not discussed here.

When a parent vacancy arises the Headteacher will send out letters asking for nominations.

There are no relevant business and financial interests. 

Our Governors do not have any governance roles in any other schools.

There are no material interests arising from relationships with school staff.