What is a School Governor?

The role of the school governor is demanding but very rewarding and is a good way to give back to the local community.

School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers good quality education for all students. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.

Key roles of governors:

• To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent.
• They also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:
  • Determining how the school’s budget is spent.
  • The appointing and dismissing of staff.
  • Hearing appeals and grievances.
  • Forming policy on the school’s curriculum.
  • Setting standards for students behaviour.
  • Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
  • Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies.

Who can be a school governor?

You don’t have to have children at the school to be a governor. However, you do have to be over 18, and pass a formal check for your suitability to be within a school. No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations. What’s really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education.

Governors come from all sections of the community, and all walks of life. They can be parents, staff at the school, residents in the locality or representatives of local churches or businesses. It is important that you can work as part of a team, and can give commitment to the school.

There are 10 people at Marriotts who make up the governing body. Advice, support and training for the role is given by Hertfordshire County Council. Some governors are elected by parents, some are appointed by the governing body itself and some by the staff of the school. This ensures governing bodies reflect the communities they serve.

Term of office and meetings

The term of office for a school governor is normally four years. There is usually a full governing body meeting once a term (for approximately 2 hours).  Most governors find they usually attend meetings or visit a school three or four times each term. You may be invited to special occasions such as assemblies, sports days, plays and presentations.