Become a school governor

School governors play a vital role in the education system, and good governance is essential for successful schools. Governors make up the largest volunteer organization in the country. While being a governor comes with responsibilities, it is also highly rewarding as you’ll be directly contributing to positive outcomes for young people in your community.

Watch our video to learn more about the impact of school governors, and download our Guide for Foundation Governors for detailed information on the role and available support.

If you’re considering becoming a school governor, here are some frequently asked questions:

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a school governor.

No, you don’t need to be a practicing Christian. However, as a foundation governor in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, you must be willing to uphold the Christian values and distinctiveness of the school.

Not at all! Governing boards benefit from a variety of skills, knowledge, and experiences. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their background.

On average, being a school governor requires about 5 to 8 hours per month, but this can vary. Most boards meet six times a year, with reading materials to review before each meeting. You might also join a subcommittee or participate in school visits, depending on your availability and interest.

Yes, training is available to help governors be as effective as possible. All foundation governors, trustees, and members are expected to attend a Church School Governance course. Additional training opportunities are also available through the diocese and the local authority. (See our Education Training and Support page for more details.)

Yes, all school governors require an Enhanced DBS check and must complete safeguarding training. Your school or trust will arrange this for you.