Why become a school governor
Becoming a school governor is a way to make a difference in your local community. It is an opportunity to share your unique experience and learn new skills.
What school governors do
School governors challenge, as well as support the headteacher. They prioritise children’s learning and the impact of spending public money. As well as putting children first, they consider the wellbeing of teachers.
School governors keep to the seven principles of public life, which are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Who can be a school governor
You do not have to be a parent or have any special qualifications. All you need is energy, enthusiasm, and time. You should:
- have an interest in education and the safeguarding of children
- be willing to learn and attend relevant training
- have good interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills
- have a respect for confidentiality
- be committed to equality of opportunity
- commit to attend regular governing body meetings and school visits
We need people from diverse backgrounds, who bring different experience and ideas. There are different types of school governor, so we can find the right match for your skills.
You must be aged 18 and over to apply.
Different types of school governor
Types of school governor include:
- Local Authority governor – are a link between Essex County Council and the school
- Parent governor – have children at the school and offer a parental perspective
- Foundation governor – for religious schools
- Co-opted governor – do not have a connection to the school, but have the right skills
When you apply, we will try to place you as a Local Authority governor but can tell you if there are vacancies for other types too.
How to become a school governor
If you have a preferred school, you can tell us. Otherwise, we’ll look at where you are based to find schools near you.
We will ask you to share your skills and experience to help match you with a school. We are looking for experience that shows you are:
- committed - will give time and energy to the role to achieve best possible outcomes for pupils
- confident - will express your independent opinions and take an active role
- curious - take an enquiring, analytical approach, will ask questions
- challenging - prepared to challenge the way things are done, driving for improvement
- collaborative - will listen and work with others, build strong relationships across the school
- critical - can give constructive feedback, be self-reflective, prepared to learn and develop
- creative – can be open minded, with new approaches to problem solving
Email us, and we will contact you to talk you through the next steps.