Types of School Governor

Learn more about the different types of school governors.

The Head Teacher

The Head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school. The Head teacher advises on and implements the governing bodies strategic framework. The Head teacher also:

  • Formulates aims and objectives, policies and targets for consideration for the governing body to adopt
  • Reports to the governing body on progress at least once every school year (usually termly)
  • Has the right to attend all meetings of the governing body
  • Can choose not to be a member of the governing body

Parent governors

  • Must have a child at school at the time of election
  • Are elected by parents of children at the school for a term of four years
  • May be appointed by the governing body if a “nil” response was returned at the nominating stage
  • Cannot be appointees as parent governor if employed by the Local Authority
  • May, if they wish stand for re-election

Staff governor

  • Must be elected by other staff members at the school
  • Holds a term of office for four years but will cease if they leave school
  • May stand for re-election
  • Can give their point of view on issues, but this may not reflect the views of the majority of staff
  • Can join any committee, help in appointing a Head teacher and contribute towards discussions on the budget and discipline
  • Must withdraw form a meeting if they have a personal interest in the outcome of an issue
  • An appointment to a statutory committee may result in in a conflict of interest
  • There is likely to be a conflict of interest if a teacher or staff governor is elected to a statutory committee

Local Authority Governors

  • Support and promote the policies of the Local Authority
  • Holds a term of office for four years
  • Can be removed by the Local Authority
  • Can be re-appointed when they completed their current term of office provided they have not been disqualified

Community Governor

    • Holds a term of office for four years
    • Appointed by non co-opted governors
    • Can be re-appointed when they completed their current term of office provided they have not been disqualified
    • Can be removed from office by at least fifty per cent of the full governing body who have not been co-opted
    • School staff and elected members cannot be co-opted
    • When deciding whom to co-op governors should make sure that the governing body reflect a balance