School governors

What a school governor does, how to become a school governor and find vacancies

School governors are volunteers who help run schools. They play an important role in managing, supporting and improving schools.

What school governors do

Governors sit on the school’s governing board and work with the school to ensure they improve each year. They:

  • hold the headteacher to account for a school’s performance
  • make sure the budget is spent wisely
  • set the school targets and ensure they are met
  • take part in hearings and appeals
  • making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
  • appoint and dismiss staff

Governors attend meetings during the school year to discuss the school's progress.

GOV.UK has guidance on the roles and duties of governing bodies.

You can also find out more about governors' responsibilities in the Department for Education Governance Handbook.

Become a school governor

To be a school governor you must be over 18 years old and you:

  • don't need to have any experience or formal qualifications
  • don’t need to have children at the school

The role is demanding but it can also be rewarding. It's a good way to give back to your local community and help improve schools in Essex.

Find vacancies

Email LAgovernance@essex.gov.uk to enquire about any of the below vacancies. 

You can put yourself forward or nominate someone.

You can also contact schools directly to see if there are any vacancies.

Essex area School name Town
Mid Downham Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School  Billericay
Mid Great Bardfield Primary School  Braintree
Mid Rettendon Primary School Rettendon Common
Mid St Margaret's Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School Toppesfield
Mid Trinity St Mary's Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School South Woodham Ferrers
Mid St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, (Christ the King Federation) South Woodham Ferrers
Mid St Michael's Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Junior School  Galleywood
South St Nicholas' Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School Rayleigh
South Eversley Primary School Basildon
South Children’s Support Service (CSS)  Fairview and Wickford
North East Myland Community Primary School Colchester
North East Hazelmere Junior School Colchester
North East Chase Lane Primary School and Nursery Harwich
North East Mersea Island School West Mersea
North East Broomgrove Infant School Colchester
West Church Langley Community Primary School Harlow
West Elsenham Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School Bishops Stortford
West St Mary's Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School Hatfield Broad Oak
West Little Hallingbury Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School Bishops Stortford

 

Contact local authority governance