Schools, education and childcare School Governors

School governors are volunteers who are committed to making sure that their school provides the best possible education for all its pupils. Governors come from a range of different backgrounds and bring different skills and expertise to the role.

There are different types of governors on governing bodies. Most governing bodies have a combination of the following types of governor:

  • Parent Governors – elected by parents at the school
  • Staff Governors – elected by staff at the school
  • Head Teacher
  • Local Authority Governors – recruited from a range of backgrounds and businesses to help communicate local policy
  • Co-opted Governors – appointed by the governing body and are people who they feel have the relevant skills and experience to contribute to effective governance and the success of the school.
  • Foundation Governors – representatives of the religious organisation or trust, if any, that supports the school to uphold its ethos and values

There may also be other types of governor depending on the type of school.

Governors should expect to spend approximately 10-20 days a year on their role. This would include:

  • Attending all governing body meetings, usually 3 to 6 per year
  • Attending any subcommittee meetings they are involved in
  • Reading any papers circulated before meetings
  • Undertaking any relevant research required
  • Visiting the school as part of a programme of governor visits with a specific focus

Information about applying to be a Governor

Hear from our governors:

School Governance Unit

Email:

Telephone: Tel: 0161 219 6899

Directorate for Children and Commissioning
Level 4
Town Hall Extension
PO Box 532
Manchester
M60 2LA

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.