I WANTED to highlight an opportunity that you may not have considered; the role of school governor. 

Both Primary and Secondary schools are partly managed by a team of volunteers who bring with them their existing knowledge to govern the school.  

An individual does not need business experience, although this can help – their time is what is needed. 

Meetings usually take place in the evening, usually at least five or six times a year. 

Any candidate should have a keen interest in providing the best education for children. So you would also need to visit during the school day to observe how well it functions.

Day to day decisions are made by the school leadership team. The purpose of governance is to provide confident, strategic leadership and to create robust accountability, oversight and assurance for educational and financial performance.

Becoming a governor is open to almost anyone, schools benefit from a variety of skills and experiences which individuals are able to bring. 

In the interest of safety, a legal check is now compulsory by government agencies.

While there is no financial reward, expenses may be claimed. Most governors feel a satisfaction in helping to raise the standards in their local school; it is a chance to ‘give something back.’ We are told it also looks very good on a CV. 

Education has changed over the years and, as we are aware from the press, it is constantly under review and subject to budgetary constraints, so the position does provide some interesting challenges.

If you would like to find out more about the governor role, you are welcome to contact me for full details. Call 07970 802095 or email clerk@cirencester-pri.gloucs.sch.uk

Alternatively, information about your chosen school and their ethos will be available on their website.  

CHERYL GRIFFITHS
Clerk to the Governors, 
Cirencester Primary School