Schools
School Governors
What do Governors do?
School Governors bring a range of experience and interests from many walks of life. They work closely with others to make good decisions about School aims and policies - and make sure their decisions are followed up.
Governors work as a team. They are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education. Raising educational standards in school is a key priority. This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve.
Governors promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies. They do this together with the head teacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school.
Every school has a governing body. It will include:
- Parents elected by other parents at the school
- Staff governors elected by the teaching and non-teaching staff
- Local authority governors
- Community governors appointed by other members of the governing body, and usually, the head teacher
They may also include representatives from the local authority, church, charitable trust or business interests. Special schools may have health authority or voluntary organisation representatives.
Governing bodies are responsible to parents and the community. Numbers of governors vary depending on the school's type or size. Appointments are for up to 4 years.
Responsibilities of a School Governor
The governing body's main role is to help raise standards of achievement. It:
- Is accountable for the performance of the school
- Plans the school's future direction
- Selects the head teacher
- Makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing
- Makes sure the National Curriculum is taught
- Decides how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development
- Makes sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs
How do I become a school governor?
If you are interested in becoming a school governor please read the further information leaflet and return the School Governor application form to the Administrative Services Team at Barking Town Hall.
For further information and guidance please contact Administrative Services at the address shown.
Further information on School Governors.
Application form 
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Further Information
Department for Children, Schools and Families dedicate site for providing Information and guidance for school governors.
