Becoming a governor

I’m a governor

Volunteer as a school governor to help improve education in your local community.

You’ll also:

  • improve your work skills
  • receive valuable training
  • gain experience of managing an organisation
  • raise questions, discuss issues and help make decisions.

A governor usually serves for four years. But they are volunteers, so can leave at any time. They can also be re-elected or re-appointed.

See: Applying to become a school governor.

Who can become a governor?

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You don’t have to be a parent or hold any qualifications. You’ll need to meet some legal requirements though, such as an enhanced DBS check.

You must be:

  • over 18
  • interested in children’s education
  • able to commit 5–8 hours a month
  • discreet, open minded and fair
  • able to share your ideas
  • enthusiastic and a team player.

Schools are also keen to hear from people with business skills.

What support is available to governors?

Support is offered at school by:

  • the head teacher
  • chair of governors
  • other governors and;
  • the clerk to the governing board.

The Governor and Clerking Service provide training and support. They work across all sectors including Academies and Free Schools. Email Governor and Clerking Service or call 01323 466885.

National Governor organisations provide further online support and advice.

Types of governor

Every maintained school has a governing board, made up of:

  • Co-opted governors, appointed by the school’s governing board
  • Parent governors, elected by school parents
  • Staff governors, elected by school staff
  • Local Authority (LA) governors, nominated by the LA

Voluntary Aided church schools also have:

Types of governors in academies vary from school to school but will normally have a selection of the above types.

Discover more or apply to become a school governor

Discover more about the role or register your skills and find a local governor vacancy, at:

Maximise your chance of finding a vacancy that suites your skills and register with both national websites.

You can also contact schools directly. See Schools in East Sussex.

Apply to be nominated as a Local Authority Governor.