Become a school governor

Find out how to volunteer as a school governor, and what you need to do in the role.

How governing boards work

Every school has a governing board. They usually include:

  • parent governors, elected by parents or carers of children at the school
  • a staff governor, elected by the teaching and support staff at the school
  • co-opted governors, appointed by the governing board according to their skills or experience
  • foundation governors in church schools, appointed by the Diocese of Chichester in Church of England schools and the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in Catholic schools
  • a local authority governor, nominated by a local authority panel of cross-party councillors and the Assistant Director, Education and Skills

Governing boards usually meet once or twice every school term. School governors spend around 10 days a year on governor duties. This goes up to around 20 days if they take on extra responsibilities, such as chairing.

What school governors do

Our schools need committed and engaged governors from a range of backgrounds, who can bring different insights and experiences to their governing boards.

School governors make sure the school provides good quality education for all children.

When you become a school governor you'll become a member of the school governing board.

School governors work with the headteacher and senior leadership team to set the school's vision, aims and objectives.

Duties include:

  • making plans for the school's future
  • being accountable for the school's performance
  • making decisions about money and the school's budget
  • appointing the headteacher

Watch our YouTube playlist about school governors. The videos feature local governors, who describe what they do and the benefits they bring to the school and community.

Training and support for school governors

The Governance Development team provide a range of training and support for school governors. Training includes:

  • governor inductions
  • health & safety roles and responsibilities
  • school finances
  • introduction to SEND for governors
  • minute taking for Clerks

Apply to be a school governor

We want to make sure that the membership of our governing boards reflects the diversity of the pupils in our schools and communities.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, particularly from Black and racially minoritised backgrounds.

If there is a suitable vacancy, your details will be sent to the relevant chair of governors and headteacher.

What happens next

If you have the skills and experience needed, the school's governing board will contact you to explain the recruitment process. They'll also arrange a meeting with you.

If you have a background in school governance, education or children's services, please let the team know. They may consider you for a local authority governor post.