What is a School Governing Body?

What is a School Governing Body?

School Governors are members of a school's Governing Body.

We have responsibility for raising school standards through three core strategic functions, namely:

• Strategic Leadership: Set the school's vision, ethos, and strategic direction.
• Accountability: Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial performance of the school, ensuring its money is well spent.

Qualities and Skills:

• Commitment: A strong dedication to the role and improving outcomes for children.
• Interpersonal Skills: Good communication and the ability to work well in a team.
• Curiosity: A willingness to learn and understand the educational landscape.
• Financial Acumen: Basic understanding of financial management (helpful but not mandatory).

We are the largest volunteer force in the country and we are unique in the field of education from around the world as not only are we volunteers but we have real responsibilities. An effective Governing Body will make a real difference to how a school performs. In the summer of 2015 the Governing Body recruited a new Headteacher to replace our previous Headteacher who retired. We act as a critical friend to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team. For example, schools are allocated by the Government money that is called Pupil Premium. This is additional funding to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. One of our functions is to ensure that this money is spent wisely, is directed towards those pupils it is supposed to be spent on and Governors need to be satisfied that this extra money is making a real difference!  

We are also in the school to offer the Headteacher and his team support. Our school is a loving and dynamic place of learning. Our staff are dedicated to serve our pupils to the best of their ability. We all want the best for our pupils. In order to improve and change, Governors need to offer support and positive encouragement to all of our stake holders. We aim for excellence and none of our team our content with anything less than an excellent and magnificent school.