Could you be one of our new Governors?

Why you should consider joining us.

We’re looking for a new governor to join our friendly board, and we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need to be a teacher or have any background in education. What we need most is people who care about Alresford’s youngest children, ask good questions and bring a bit of their own life and work experience to the table. Whether you work full time, run your own business, care for your family or have recently retired, there’s a place for you here, and full training and support are provided from day one.

Your questions answered:

What does a school governor do?

Governors work together as a board to set the school’s direction, check how well things are going and support the headteacher, looking at the bigger picture and asking the questions that help the school keep improving.

Who can become a governor?

Almost anyone over 18 who cares about local children. We welcome people from outside education too, because they bring a fresh eye; our staff provide the teaching expertise. There are places for parents and for people from the wider community.

Can I be a governor if I work full time or I’m retired?

Absolutely. Most meetings are in the evening, and many employers give time off for public duties. Retired governors are just as valued, often bringing experience and flexibility for daytime visits.

How much time does it take?

Roughly six to eight hours a month in term time, covering evening meetings, reading papers and a visit into school each term. The load is shared fairly across the board.

Where does the governor’s role end and the headteacher’s begin?

The headteacher and her team run the school day to day, manage staff and deal with individual parent matters. Governors focus on strategy, oversight and support.

What happens on a school visit?

Visits are a chance to see plans in action and talk to staff and pupils. They’re about learning and support rather than judging lessons, and are often governors’ favourite part of the role.

Which areas does the board oversee?

Safeguarding, SEND and accessibility, early years, curriculum and standards, finance, pupil premium and sport premium, behaviour and attendance, wellbeing, staffing and pay, health and safety, premises, equality, data protection, complaints and the school improvement plan. Responsibilities are shared, so nobody needs to be expert in all of them.

Who do governors represent?

Every child at the school. Whether you join as a parent or from the community, you think about the whole school. All governors follow a code of conduct and declare any personal interests.

Can I focus on an area I know well?

Yes. Many governors take a link role in an area matching their experience, such as finance or SEND, while sharing responsibility for every decision with the rest of the board.

What support and training will I get?

Full induction and ongoing training, experienced governors alongside you and a clerk to guide the board.

How are governors protected?

Decisions are made collectively as a board, and governors are protected as long as they act honestly and in good faith.

How long is the commitment?

A term is usually four years, giving you time to make a real difference. If your circumstances change, you’re free to step down. Some people have been there for 2 years. But it is good to be there for the same amount a time a pupil will travel through the two schools.

Why do people choose to become governors?

To give something back, to see their efforts make a difference to children’s lives, and to learn new skills and meet new people. It looks great on a CV too.

What practical things should I know?

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though reasonable expenses can usually be claimed. Every governor needs an enhanced DBS check, which the school arranges. Tea and biscuits are mandatory.

Please do contact the office to apply.

Who do we need?

Here’s how some everyday jobs and life experiences translate into what a governing board needs.

Accountant or bookkeeper	Finance: reading budgets, tracking spending and checking value for money.	HR manager or recruiter	Staffing: pay and appraisal, safer recruitment, staff wellbeing and senior appointments.
Nurse, GP or healthcare worker	Pupil wellbeing, medical needs, safeguarding and supporting children with additional needs.	Social worker, police or youth worker	Safeguarding and child protection, behaviour and attendance.
Shop or retail manager	How the school runs day to day, family experience, feedback and complaints.	Builder, surveyor or facilities manager	Premises, health and safety, repairs and site planning.
IT or data professional	Data protection, online safety and making sense of performance figures.	Solicitor or legal professional	Statutory duties, policies, complaints and fair, well-documented decisions.
Small business owner	Strategy, the school improvement plan and making the most of limited resources.	Marketing or communications	Admissions and pupil numbers, reputation and communication with parents.
Stay-at-home parent	A first-hand view of what families need and how decisions land at home.	Carer	SEND, accessibility and wellbeing, making sure every family feels supported.
Community volunteer	Links with the wider community and making sure the board hears local voices.	Whatever you do	Every background adds something. If you can listen and ask “why?”, you can help.