In the Autumn Term, the Governing Board will seek nominations from parents to fill two parent governor vacancies. Governors each focus on different areas of responsibility. An interest in, or experience of

• publishing, communication and/or media sectors with an interest in becoming the link governor for reading, writing and maths, or
• public sector, corporate decision making and strategic thinking with an interest in championing disadvantaged pupils, are especially welcome.
• areas of linked interest are inter-changable with professional knowledge and skills in other sectors. 

However, these specific professional knowledge and skills should not stop any parent from applying if you have the wish and commitment to be a governor. Parent governors are appointed for a period of 4 years. 

Why become a governor?

The Governing Board holds school leaders to account, provides support and challenge whilst setting the strategic direction of the school.  

How much time will I need to give?

All governors, including parent governors:

• attend 4 full governing body meetings each year, held in the evening for about 2 hours;
• become a member of our Resources or Pupils & Achievement committees which meet 6 times each year, typically alternating breakfast and evening meetings, each for about 2 hours;
• visit the school during the day, ideally once or twice a term, to gain first-hand knowledge of the school, usually for 1-2 hours. While visiting, governors usually work with a school leader focusing on their area of responsibility;
• undertake training courses to improve own skills and knowledge about school governance.

Meetings may be held by video conference, using Microsoft Teams, or as restrictions relax, return to face-to-face at the school.

We know that there maybe uncertainty in life and own jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Board works flexibly to match the commitment of its volunteer members.

Find out more about the role of school governors and the skills required:

• National Governance Association, What do governors do? 
• Governance skills
• Arrange to talk to Peter Dunmall, Head teacher for an informal chat.

Every governor is not required to have competence in every skill.

How to apply

In the Autumn term, we will write to you again asking parents to nominate themselves or another parent (if they are willing to be named).

If more nominations are received than vacancies available, then a ballot will be organised to select the new governor. First and second place nominations will then become parent governors.

Once appointed, all governors are subject to an enhanced check by the Criminal Records Bureau and other suitability checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate.