Governors play a key role in the success of all our schools

The following article, written by Michael Scandrett, Chair of the Herts Association of School Governors, was published in the 3rd September edition of The Comet:

Despite what you may hear to the contrary, our education system in the UK is not all doom and gloom.  In fact, we have an education system of which we should be rightly proud, and in Hertfordshire we have a track record of excellence that rates us among the best in the country – as recent successes at GCSE and A-level help to demonstrate, although that’s not to be taken as the only measure of a successful school.

However, that success does not happen by accident.

It is all due to the dedication, commitment, caring and professionalism of our headteachers, teachers, caretakers, lunchtime supervisors, nursery specialists, classroom assistants and the myriad of others who deliver their best for our children.

They are worth their weight in gold. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The school governor, though, is one role that does not always get the credit it deserves.

All schools, including academies, have a governing body made up of men and women from the locality, from all walks of life, and with the role of holding the school to account and ensuring that standards are maintained.

Governors are unpaid posts yet form a key part of a school leadership team but they are not there to run schools – that falls to the head teacher.

However, they are accountable for the appointment and performance of the headteacher, to steer the school vision with its
aims and objectives, and to ensure financial best value and support to enable the staff to provide an excellent learning environment.

In Herts we have more than 500 schools, including academies.  This means that there are more than 5,000 governors across the county, but about 10 per cent of the posts need to filled. Our schools need people like you!

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a school or academy governor, email kathy.dunnett@nullhertsforlearning.co.uk or alternatively check out the website at www.hertsdirect.org/governors.

Remember being a governor is not just about attending meetings. It is much more about being part of your local school and local community while making a contribution towards the development and learning of young people who are the citizens of tomorrow.

Governors are there to ensure that schools are run well, to shape their future and that children thrive and enjoy learning. Being part of that is a reward in itself. And if you are already serving in this role, you should be proud to be a governor – I know I am.