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Become a school governor

If you get on with people, would like to learn something new and give something back to the community, then being a school governor may be for you.

To be a governor, you must be committed and interested in doing what's best for the next generation.

There may be lots of papers to read and meetings to attend and you will sometimes need to make difficult decisions about individual pupils or staff.

Appointments usually last for four years and you can attend appropriate training.

The governing board

As part of the governing board, you are responsible for making sure the school provides good quality education. Together with the headteacher, you set the school aims and policies.

Every school has a governing board. It normally includes:

  • Parents elected by other parents of children at the school
  • Citizens nominated by the local authority
  • Members co-opted from the community
  • Foundation governors appointed to voluntary schools to represent the church or trust which provides the school (if any)
  • School staff, including the headteacher

The governing board:

  • Is accountable for the performance of the school.
  • Plans for the school's future.
  • Selects the headteacher.
  • Makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing.
  • Makes sure the National Curriculum is taught.
  • Decides how the school can encourage pupil's spiritual, moral and cultural development.
  • Makes sure that the school provides for all its pupils, including those with additional needs.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a school governor before you apply, please send an email to Governor Services.

How to apply

You can ask your local school if they have any vacancies or become a governor nominated by the council. All governors must hold a DBS Certificate.

If you would like more information contact Governor Services

Governor guidance, support and training

You will find all the information you need on our Governors pages.

Contact Governor Services

Governor Services
Gloucestershire County Council
Shire Hall
Westgate Street
Gloucester,GL1 2TP
United Kingdom

E-mail: governor.services@gloucestershire.gov.ukOpens new windo

Telephone:01452 427803

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