School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors – together they’re called the ‘governing body’. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards of school discipline. Governors also help to make big decisions about the school’s long-term goals. They support headteachers, but also ask questions and make sure the headteacher is taking the school in the right direction.

Anyone over 18 can be a school governor – you don’t have to be a parent with a child at the school. However, every governing body includes parent governors, and it can be a rewarding way to be involved in your child’s school. The most important qualities for being a governor are enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education. You don’t need teaching experience, but it’s useful to bring skills from other areas of your life.

We hold a Governors’ meeting each half term. You’ll also be expected to join one or two sub-committees – these cover different areas like the curriculum, finance or buildings. You’ll need to be able to work well in a team, as you’ll be making joint decisions on policy. Demands on your time depend partly on how the school is doing generally. Being a governor will be a busy role if the school’s results are getting worse or it’s going through a big change like appointing a new headteacher, or joining with another school.

If you’re interested in becoming a governor, talk to the current chair of governors (Cllr. Deborah Davies) who leads the board. When there’s a vacancy for a parent governor all parents will be informed, and you’ll have a chance to stand for election. Before you put yourself forward, talk to your employer. Many employers recognise the role of school governor as useful work experience and may offer paid leave for governor duties.

You can contact Cllr. Deborah Davies using our Contact Us page (Please write “F.A.O. Chair of Governors” in the subject box), or by writing to:

The Chair of Governors,
St. Julian’s Primary School,
Beaufort Road,
Newport, NP19 7UB