School Governors

The role of the school governor has become increasingly important as governing bodies are expected to make long term strategic decisions for the future of their schools.

School governors play a key role in leading, supporting and improving schools. They are impartial and make decisions that seek to improve the school. By doing so, they make a difference to children’s lives and their prospects for the future.

The main school governor categories are:

• Community governors - are appointed by the school’s governing body to represent the community.  Ideally, they should live or work in the community served by the school.
• Parent governors - are parents of children who attend the school.  They are voted on to the school’s governing body by other parents whose children attend the school.
• Local authority governors - are appointed by the local authority.
• Teacher and staff governors - are elected to the governing body by the relevant staff within the school.

There are other school governor categories depending on the type and constitution of a school. The number of governors of each category can vary depending on the type of school and the maximum number of pupils that the school can accommodate.

Become a school governor

You do not need any particular qualifications to become a school governor as you will benefit from free training, but you do need to be aged 18 or over and you will need to have:

• an interest in our children’s future
• the desire to make a difference
• time and energy
• a readiness to accept responsibility
• the commitment to work in a team
• the enthusiasm to ask questions, listen and learn
• the motivation to help shape the future of education within Torfaen County Borough.

Once appointed, a school governor’s term of office lasts for four years. You would be expected to attend three governing body meetings per school year, one in each term, and committee meetings, where relevant.

Most governing bodies meet twice a term, totalling 6 times a year.

Apply to become a parent governor

If you are interested in becoming a parent governor, please contact the school directly - School directory

Apply to become a community governor

If you are interested in becoming a community governor, please complete a copy of the community governor application form and return to the school that you are interested in becoming a governor at – School directory

Apply to become a local authority governor

If you are interested in becoming a local authority governor, please complete a copy of the local authority governor application form and return it to andy.rothwell@torfaen.gov.uk

Vacancies are time-limited and, therefore, any applications must be received by the local authority by the dates shown.

Governor Support & Development Service

The Education Achievement Service provides mandatory and strategic development training for governors, as well as advice and support.  

For more information, visit the Education Achievement Service website.