St Michael's Primary School, Withyham

The role of a school governor?

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to our children’s education, and are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country playing an important role in raising school standards. 

The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including by the governing body.
What do governors do?

School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and it is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, working with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources.

Each individual governor is a member of the governing body, representing different elements of the school community; staff, parents and the local community. Individual governors may have specific roles and responsibilities to fulfil but decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body.  

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the school
• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)

If you are interested in joining the governing body at St Michael’s please contact Mrs O‘Shea or the Chair of Governors, Lisa Gibbs Murray