The role of a governor

The role of a school governor is to contribute to the work of the governing body in raising standards of achievement for all pupils.

This involves:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  • Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

The individual governor has a responsibility, working alongside other members of the governing body, to the staff and pupils of the school and the school’s wider community. Governors must have an interest in our children’s future, be willing to contribute and make a difference, respect the need for confidentiality and be able to work as part of a team. Governors must act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in the best interests of the school.

What governors do:
Governors are volunteers who attend meetings and work to further the school’s development.

Together with the headteacher, responsibilities of governing bodies include:

  • developing the school’s strategic plan
  • determining aims, policies and priorities
  • setting targets
  • monitoring and evaluating
  • deciding the number of staff
  • overseeing the use of the school’s budget
  • securing high levels of attendance and good standards of pupil behaviour.

Governors provide the headteacher with support and advice, drawing on their knowledge and experience. They ask searching questions and respect the headteacher’s position as the professional leader of the school.