Becoming a School Governor

Welcome to the Governors page of the Westminster website.

There are fifty-two schools maintained by Westminster City Council. Each has a governing body of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to ensure that the next generation gets the best from school. Are you interested in the education, welfare and opportunities provided for children and young people? Have you got enthusiasm and time to spare? If so, why don't you volunteer as a school governor.

Governors bring a range of experience and interests from many walks of life. They work as a team with the headteacher and staff to ensure the school provides a good quality education. Raising educational standards is their key priority.

Who can be a Governor?

Governors give their service voluntarily and no formal qualifications are necessary, although there are eligibility criteria. In Westminster we are keen to attract people who can bring energy and experience and to reflect our diverse local community. We welcome involvement from people from minority ethnic communities who are currently under-represented on school governing bodies. It is not necessary to be an expert, but you do need to be able to work as part of a team and to care about education and pupil well-being. You also need time to attend meetings, to get to know the school and to undertake training.

How much time is needed?

Governing bodies meet at least once a term, usually after school or in the early evening. There are additional committee meetings and governors also need the time to attend school events and any appropriate training. By prior arrangement with the headteacher governors are encouraged to visit the school during the day to see it in action, and to get to know the staff and pupils Governors usually serve for four years. Training and support are free.

Types of Governor

Governing bodies reflect the community of which the school is a part. Governors are appointed or elected in different ways:

Parents governors - are elected by other parents at the school. The school will let parents know when there are vacancies.

Staff governors - are elected by their colleagues. The headteacher is also usually a governor.

Local Authority governors - are appointed by Westminster City Council. To put your name forward please complete the attached application form and email it to afoster@westminster.gov.uk or write to her at School Effectiveness Team, 215 Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LF.

Community governors - are invited by the other governors to serve on the governing body. Not all school governing bodies have community governors serving on them. The school can tell you about any vacancies

Foundation governors - Voluntary Aided (Church) schools have Foundation governors who are appointed by the Diocese or by different organisations connected to the Church. The school can tell you about any vacancies and who to contact.

Associate members – these are people who serve on committees but are not full governors. The school can tell you about any vacancies and who to contact

What do school governors do?

Governing bodies have a range of responsibilities and work with the headteacher and school staff in

setting the school's aims, policies, targets and priorities
ensuring the school achieves high educational standards and continued school improvement
taking general responsibility for the conduct of the school and well-being of pupils
making sure money is spent wisely
making sure the curriculum is broad and balanced, that National Curriculum and Religious Education are taught
appointing the headteacher and deputy headteacher, and, in consultation with the headteacher, involvement in other staffing issues
acting as a link between the local community and the school including dealing with complaints and considering pupil exclusions

Further information

Please view The Westminster Governors’ web-site www.governors.westminster.lgfl.net

For more information please email afoster@westminster.gov.uk or write to her at School Effectiveness Team, 215 Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LF.

Schools information