School governors
There are a number of ways in which a parent can become more involved with their child’s education, one of these is to become a governor of their school.
Of course, you do not have to be a parent to become a school governor. All that is required is an interest and desire to become involved at the school in question.
A governor will be expected to attend regular meetings, serve on a committee and be reasonably familiar with educational issues. The governors are not involved in the day to day management of the school, this is the responsibility of the head teacher, but they will form a strategic framework for the head to work towards. They will also help promote the school and provide a visible form of accountancy.
Each school has their own governing body, the make-up and number of governors will vary from school to school depending on its type and size but all the governors will have the same rights, powers and responsibilities. The body usually consists of:
- Parents (elected by other parents with children at the school).
- The head teacher may choose to also be a governor.
- Teachers (elected by other teachers)
- Non-teaching staff (elected by other non-teaching staff)
- Local authority appointees
- People appointed by the local community
Religious schools may also appoint people from the relevant church or foundation, it may also include appointees from charitable trusts or businesses.
If you are interested in becoming a school governor, contact the head of the school who will be able to advise you of more details.