Who can become a school governor?

All types of people can become school governors. No special qualifications are required, but you must be 18 or over on the date when you are elected or appointed.

Enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education are the most important qualities. You don't always need to have a child at the school.

Many schools would particularly welcome new governors who have transferable skills developed at work, or who have a particularly good understanding of the community served by the school.

If you have experience of any of the following, you can add value to the Governing Body:

  • Making decisions
  • Solving problems
  • Working as part of a team
  • Languages
  • Finance
  • Computing and Information Technology
  • Marketing
  • Communications
  • Science and Technology
  • Art and Design
  • Health and Safety
  • Strategic planning
  • Project management
  • Human Resources
  • Legal knowledge
  • Engineering

Next: Who sits on the governing body