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School governors

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The information on this page relates to maintained schools. For details about how the role differs in Academies, please refer to the Academy trust governance guide.

Volunteer as a school governor and support education in Cambridgeshire

School governors play a vital role in education. The governing board:

  • plans the strategic direction of a school
  • makes sure public money is well spent
  • and holds school leadership to account

Schools across Cambridgeshire need people to volunteer as governors. A strong governing board ensures robust debate, which leads to better educational outcomes for children.

What do school governors do?

The governing board has three core functions:

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

Governance is an important part of school leadership. Governors make sure schools work well for pupils, use funding wisely, and have a clear school vision. They also support the school leaders who look after the staff and students.

Who can be a governor?

You don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education to be a school governor. Governing boards need a variety of perspectives and thrive with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences. Teams are better when they reflect the communities they serve. Your skills could transform a school. 

Application Form 

How we support school governors?

Governors in Cambridgeshire are supported in their role by having access to information, advice, support, resources and training.

While volunteers don’t need any specific background or experience to become a school governor, completing training means you can be effective from your first day, helping improve educational outcomes for children.

The School Governance Team provides:

  • statutory functions for governors
  • termly briefings for governors
  • programme of training and support
  • a professional clerking service

What will I gain?

You will join a welcoming school community. You'll also get to develop skills like planning, leading meetings, managing money, and teamwork. These skills are respected by employers and can help your career or your personal development.

Further information

Case Studies

What is your background – job, skills, experience etc?

My undergraduate degree was in English. I then completed a PGCE and qualified as a teacher. I worked as a secondary school English teacher for a number of years in the state sector, taking on various responsibilities including Head of English and Associate Assistant Headteacher.

What inspired you to become a school governor?

When my eldest daughter started school, I felt I wanted to be able to contribute in a positive way to her primary school experience. I was elected on to the School Advisory Board at her primary school. I am now a Parent Governor at a different primary school where two of my children currently attend.

How did you find out about becoming a school governor?

Having worked in the education sector, I was keen to contribute and share my knowledge and experience. I was already aware of the important role that governors play and so when the role of Parent Governor was advertised, I was keen to apply.

What do you enjoy about being a governor?

I enjoy being able to offer a positive and valuable contribution to the primary school my children attend. From a personal perspective, I enjoy the opportunity to think strategically in a different context to my everyday life and work.

What do you feel you have gained personally and/or professionally in the governor role?

There are many benefits to the governor role, from the chance to share in the successes of the children and staff at the school, to the opportunities to gain knowledge and experience through undertaking research and training related to my link roles. It is interesting participating in board meetings with professionals from outside of my usual field of experience.

What are you hoping to achieve in the governor role?

I hope to be able to offer strategic oversight of some of the big challenges facing schools and education at the moment. I think it is helpful to look at issues as an ‘outsider’ - governors are separate from the day-to-day running of the school and so can sometimes find it easier to take a step back and look at a situation differently.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a governor?

Talk to the existing governors and the Head at the school. Find out about the school’s vision and ethos to see if the school is a good fit for you.

What is your background – job, skills, experience etc?

The majority of my career has been in the private sector working primarily within legal and corporate governance both UK and internationally. I left the industry when my youngest daughter was born, to set up my own music tuition business (having played the piano since childhood), so I could continue working while raising a young family. I now provide a service to local primary schools and teach privately from home delivering individual and group instrumental lessons and music theory.

What inspired you to become a school governor?

I always enjoyed my governance career and being part of the strategic side of business. When I had investigated the role of a school governor, I felt it was a perfect opportunity to be involved in my children's’ school and also continue using my previous skills and experience. I am now their Chair of Governors and also a Community Governor at another local school.

How did you find out about becoming a school governor?

I first researched the schools’ websites and also had a discussion with existing governors and Head Teachers. They were all extremely passionate about their schools and the role of the board in the school’s development. Their aspirations for the school made me want to be part of that too.

What do you enjoy about being a governor?

The role is very interesting and varied. I am continually learning new things and it is a privilege to work with like minded people who share the same commitment and dedication towards the success of the school. As it is voluntary, I can work it around my family and work life.

What do you feel you have gained personally and/or professionally in the governor role?

Being involved strategically has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for how schools operate and the challenges they face and decisions they have to make for the benefit of the children and staff. I have developed essential leadership skills through Cambridgeshire County Council led training and by chairing the FGB and committees. It has provided me with positive challenge and it is personally rewarding to know that I am contributing to society.

What are you hoping to achieve in the governor role?

My aspirations are to be of value to the governing boards by providing strategic experience to help drive improvement and success so that the staff feel valued and respected, and that pupils thrive and achieve both academically and through their personal development and confidence. I hope my contributions can make a positive impact and difference.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a governor?

It is hugely rewarding and you are contributing to your local community. Meet the Head and existing governors, take a tour of the school and ask lots of questions to make sure you understand what is expected of your role on the board. Working collaboratively is essential and even though it is voluntary role, you need to be committed.