What's it like being a school governor?
Posted on 19 August 2024
She is also Chair of Governors at a large primary school in York. Claire talks about her experiences and how this role supports her work for the University.
What motivated you to become a governor?
I had moved to York after a long period working outside the UK. When my son started primary school, I was taken aback by the care shown by his teacher and headteacher and their commitment to meeting his specific needs. I wanted to give something back to the school, by way of thanks.
What has been your experience as a governor so far?
I've been a Governor since 2017 and Chair of Governors since 2019. During that time, I've experienced a great deal, including recruiting two new headteachers, two Ofsted inspections, Covid, a building project to expand the school by 25% and a major decision around academisation.
Have there been any highlights of your time as a governor?
The highlight for me has been getting to know the children. Every term governors have the opportunity to spend half a day in school focusing on a particular topic - it might be phonics, science or SEND for instance. These visits usually involve watching some teaching and hearing from pupils. I'm always astonished at the brilliant questions the children come up with and how utterly engaging they are.
As Chair I've also really enjoyed building a strong partnership with the two headteachers I've worked with. The role of a governor is to be a critical friend to the school. It's important that we provide scrutiny and challenge, but also trusted support where it's needed.
There have been some really fun highlights too - I enjoyed hosting the Archbishop of York for a visit to our school as part of its 250th birthday celebration and for a while I ran a weekly lunchtime debate club at school and supported a school trip to the Houses of Parliament.
How has your role as a governor supported your professional development?
I originally went into governorship because I wanted to give something back to my community and because I felt I had useful skills to offer, but in fact I have learned a great deal from the role that has helped me in my professional development.
I've learned a lot about primary education, which has helped develop a better awareness of the system my own students are coming from. I have observed teaching strategies and curriculum development principles that have helped me reflect on my own teaching.
And becoming Chair of Governors helped hone my skills around strategic and critical thinking, problem solving, commercial acumen and stakeholder management.
How do you feel your role as a governor supports the University’s strategy?
If we are to be a university for public good, it is really important that we play an active role in our communities and use our skills to help improve the environment around us however we can.
Being a governor has certainly allowed me to do this, and it's great to know that the University supports me in this outward-facing role. Forging strong links between our University and other education settings is of benefit to us all.
How has the UoY School Governance Network supported you in your role?
The UoY School Governance Network is brilliant. It is a group of likeminded people across the University and I've found it to be an invaluable source of information, advice and support. I attend the termly meetings whenever I can because the discussion topics are always insightful. I have also met Chairs from two other schools through the SGN buddying system and we meet up regularly.
What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a school governor or trustee?
Go for it! Do your research to understand what the role involves and then, bearing in mind that every school has its own unique characteristics, find a school that you feel is a good fit. Speak to the UoY School Governance Network to have a chat with some colleagues who are governors, who will be able to help you get started.