Applying to be a school governor - AIBU?

[BrouetteChouette]

Hi everyone.

I've applied to be a school governor. I've got an interview with the headteacher of a local school coming up in a couple of weeks to find out more about the role at the school.

I've looked at the school website in preparation for this, which gives a lot of information about the school as well as its current governors, which has been very helpful.

The reason why I wanted to get involved in school governance is because I'm really interested in education and in making sure that children receive a good standard of education. I actually started a teacher training course last year, but resigned as it wasn't for me (due to many different reasons). I would love to get involved in more voluntary roles in educational settings, and I think that school governance would be a good way to do this. I'm in my mid-twenties and currently work as a languages tutor - whilst i don't have any sought-after specialist experience to offer the school, I'm confident that I'd be able to cope with the demands of being a school governor in a general role and that I have a lot to offer the school.

I've done a lot of reading into school governance, and have found this helpful. However, I'd be interested in finding out some first-hand accounts from anyone who's been involved in school governance.

AIBU to ask you about your experiences of being a school governor please (or if you know anyone who has been a school governor?)

Further to my last post, I 'd like to add what Sir Michael Wilshaw wrote in Nov 2015 -

Governors and trustees are there to set the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction. They are also expected to hold the headteacher to account for the performance of teachers and pupils, and to ensure that public money is being well spent.

Governors have to be perceptive people who can challenge and support the headteacher in equal measure and know when and how to do this. They must never overstep the mark and try and run the school themselves. As the Chief Executive of the National Governors Association succinctly puts it, governors and trustees should be: “Eyes on, hands off!” They also have to understand the complexities of school organisation and be able to analyse the wealth of data that now exists on school performance.

Undoubtedly the most important task that will ever fall to a governing board is to appoint a new headteacher.

Sir Michael Wilshaw - 19 November 2015

I am a teacher and for a while was a teacher governor. I think the amount of responsibility you have comes as a shock for many. You will (as a team of course) have responsibility for the school towards Ofsted. There are often difficult personalities to work around, and although it's very interesting it isn't something you can pick up and easily drop. A RI or worse inspection makes the job of the governors really difficult and sometimes very awkward. TBH I'm always astounded at the responsibility and expectations placed on governors, most of which have full time jobs too.

I am a 'local authority' governor in a primary school, with a FT job.

(also an accountant).

Lots of statistics to keep track of (and the reporting changes over time)

Even though I am used to meetings in day work - Gov Mtgs are different in that it took the first year just to get used to the language.

I only visit the school during the school day a couple of times per year. Some others do more, but that depends on work etc.

Don't underestimate how complex a school with just seven classes in my case can be. Also, you may be surprised (or not) at the amount of social issues that can crop up even in the leafiest of schools.

Give it a try - it's not a life sentence and you can resign if it doesn't suit.

Sorry if I sounded negative in my post. I didn't mean to. I absolutely love being a governor and we have a brilliant relationship with our Head and SLT. However, if the Board doesn't then it can cause problems and make your life difficult. Unfortunately neither side tend to admit that is the case and so it might take time for you to work it out.

I've never known anyone offering to be a governor be turned down by a school. Generally it is the opposite because governors are hard to recruit and retain.

It is not a job interview and remember you are the one offering your time and expertise for free to help them. If i was you I'd ask general questions about the structure of the board and the school. You can also ask when their last inspection was and maybe go onto their website and see if the school has put their school improvement plan on there - either way, ask about it. The website might also give you information about the governing board itself. I'd also ask about numbers of SEND children and pupil premium children and any support put in place for them - TAs, pastoral care etc.

Generally they are looking for enthusiasm and interest and someone willing to commit to the school.

I also wouldn't worry too much about OfSTED. Generally more experienced governors will be the ones attending the interviews and if you have a good Chair and a supportive Head then they will help you get to grips with whatnOfSTED want.

To be honest, go on your gut feeling - if you have any doubts about the Head's attitude to you as a governor or the Chair isn't friendly and supportive, then don't do it. Go and find another school.

I'm also working on the massive assumption that you are not a parent, at least at the school, some if I'm right then there's no expectation to know anything about primary education.