Who can be a governor?

Governors must be at least 18 years old; there is no upper age limit. Governors may be appointed for a 4-year term of office *, at the end of the four years they can decide if they wish to stand again. All governors have the same voting rights.

Parent Governors

Parent Governors are elected by the parents of pupils at the school. Parent governors do not have to stand down if their child leaves the school during their term of office. If not enough parents stand for election, parent governors may be appointed by the governing body.

LA Governors

Are governors who are appointed by the local authority. They can be a member of one of three main political parties, and are nominated by the Party Co-ordinators or they can be appointed as Independent Governors. They may be re-appointed at the end of their term of office.

Staff Governors

Under the Education 2002 Act this category includes: The Head Teacher is an ex officio member (i.e. as long as they are Head Teacher at the school) of the governing body, unless they choose not to be. If a Head Teacher chooses to be a governor, they also have full voting rights.

• Teachers - Are elected by staff at the school. Anyone from within the teaching staff is eligible to be a governor, with full voting rights. When they cease to teach at the school, they must stand down from the governing body.
• Staff - Non-teaching staff may be elected by staff of the school. If they cease to work at the school, they must stand down from governing body.

Community Governors

These are appointed by the Governing body. Community governors should represent the local community and reflect a balance of interests of the governing body.

Observers

The governing body can ask for observers to attend meeting to give information and feedback. These observers may be key staff – senior management team , bursar, lay people or school students.