There is a vacancy for two parent governors at the school and you are invited to stand for election. In the school we have provision for two parent governors. Parent governors are appointed for a period of 4 years irrespective of whether their children remain in the school during this period.

The Governing Body, with the Headteacher, has overall responsibility for the running of the school. The Governing Bodies have three core strategic functions:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
  • Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure the school’s money is spent effectively.

No special qualifications are needed and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work. However, we are particularly looking for governors with experience in; Education, Finance, Legal Services, Health & Safety, Strategic Direction & experience with Equality and Diversity.

What is in it for you? Well, there are very few perks of the job but you will gain immense ‘job’ satisfaction. Being a parent governor can enhance your skills and can help you develop new expertise which you can draw on in your own career development. You will have the opportunity to work alongside people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations and you will build your skills in strategic thinking. Ultimately you will gain a deeper understanding of the education system, as well as supporting The Friary to maintain its excellent reputation.

There are specific circumstances – see here – under which someone cannot serve as a governor which includes any parent/carer who has paid employment in the school for 500 or more hours per academic year or who are elected members of the Local Authority. Nominations must be from parents or carers with children at the school on the day that nominations close.

If you would like to stand for election, please complete this nomination form and return it to the school no later than 28 June 2024.

You should include a short personal statement to support your nomination, which should briefly state the contribution you feel you could make to the governing body. The statement should be no longer than 200 words and this will be used if an election is required. The form should be signed by yourself and a Proposer who must be a parent/carer of a child at the school and must not be a member of your family.

If there are more nominations than vacancies, an election will be held by secret ballot and voting papers will be sent to all parents together with details of the ballot procedure.

If you would like to find out further details in relation to the role, please contact the Chair of Governors via the Clerk to the Governors, Lisa Pratt, via lpratt@friaryschool.co.uk.