About Governors

Governors play an important part in overseeing the running of the school in the interests of the community it serves. Governors govern rather than manage. The Governing Body is made up of a cross-section of the local community and includes parent representatives of children at the school.

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.

What do governors do?

The role of the Governing Body is a strategic one. Its key functions are to:

• Set the aims and objectives for the school
• Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher (a critical friend)

Becoming a school governor

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