As a school governor you play a vital role in the success of a school.
What you’ll do as a school governor
You’ll get involved in a variety of activities, working alongside other governors and the school’s leadership team to set the school’s strategic plan.
This includes work on:
- policies
- budgets
- staffing
- pupil outcomes
- ensuring a wide and exciting curriculum for all pupils
Who can become a governor
It’s a voluntary role and you must be aged over 18 to apply.
You do not need to be a parent or have any special qualifications. All you need is energy, enthusiasm and time.
You must not have been a bankrupt, discharged bankrupt or served a custodial sentence.
We need people from a range of backgrounds, who bring their own experience and ideas. There are different types of school governor, so we can find the right match for your skills.
You should:
- be interested in education and safeguarding children
- be willing to learn and attend training
- attend regular governing body meetings and school visits
- have good interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills
- respect confidentiality
- be committed to equality of opportunity
School governing board
As a governor, you’ll be part of the school’s governing board, which meets at least once each term.
It's main functions are to:
- ensure a clear vision, ethos and strategy for the school
- hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
- oversee the financial performance of the school, and make sure its money is spent well
Types of governor
There are different ways to become a school governor. The school’s headteacher is always a governor, but all other governors are appointed, elected or nominated.
| Type of governor | Who is eligible? | How they’re selected |
|---|---|---|
| Co-opted governor | Anyone from the local community who can bring specific skills or experience needed by the school. | Appointed by the other governors. |
| Foundation governor (Faith schools only) | Those who have a link with the church and be active within the school’s religious denomination. | Appointed by The Diocesan Board for London or the Catholic Education Service. |
| Local authority governor | Anyone from the local community. | Recommended by the local authority and appointed by the governing board. |
| Parent governor | Parents or carers of a child at the school. | Elected by other parent governors. |
| Staff governor | Any member of staff at the school. | Elected by staff at the school. |
How to apply
Apply to become a school governor (Governors for Schools)
Find support
Our Governor Services team can provide information and support if you’re:
- thinking about becoming a school governor
- already a school governor
Email: governors@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Phone: 020 8921 5629