What are School Governors?

School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. They appoint headteachers and other staff.

Governors have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Time and time again Ofsted has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including by the governing body.

What do Governors do?

It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and it is governors who work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources.

The role of the governing body is a strategic one. It has three core strategic functions:

• To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• To hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent

Governors do not get involved in the day-to-day management of the school.  That is the headteacher’s responsibility.

At Elizabeth Woodville Primary School the governing body comprises 10 people made up of Local Authority nominations, parents, staff at the school and members of the local community. 

Governing Body Structure

Our Governing Body has a Full Governing Body committee which all Governors are required to attend and the following sub-committees:

Governors may be contacted by leaving a message at the office or by letter, addressed 'Private and Confidential' to the school's address.