What is the role of the governing body?

Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection board for schools) has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including by the governing board.

Governors are the strategic leaders of schools and have a vital role to play in making sure that every child receives the best possible education. Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the governing board; decisions are the joint responsibility of the whole board. 

Furthermore, governors are a key part of the overall system for school accountability. The governing board should have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:

• ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. 

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Who can become a governor?

 There are  different categories of governor:

• parent
• headteacher
• staff
• foundation
• partnership
• local authority
• co-opted
• associate (in this instance, as an associate, the deputy head is not a governor, but sits in meetings as a non-voting observer)

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The type of governor each person becomes depends on their situation; however, all governors can have the same roles and responsibilities once part of the governing body.

​​How do I become a governor?

If you are interested in becoming a school governor, then please talk to Steve Cope (our chair of governors) who leads the board. When there is a vacancy for a parent governor, all parents will be informed, and you will have a chance to stand for election. Many employers recognise the role of school governors as useful work experience and may offer paid leave for governor duties. 

When does the governing body meet?

The meet for three full meetings a year and also attend smaller committee meetings about three further times. 

How do I find out about what happens in meetings?

The non-confidential minutes can be found on the governor website from the menu.