Recruitment Drive for Governors in Kent Schools

School governors are the largest and most vital volunteer force in education. However, across Kent there is a great need for skilled and committed governor volunteers.

In order to help fill the high number of vacancies and to form effective and committed governing bodies, SGOSS – Governors for Schools is working in partnership with Kent County Council to appeal for new volunteers to come forward.

Ofsted data shows that 81% of Primary school children and 84% of Secondary school children are currently receiving a good or outstanding education in Kent. However, Kent’s schools still have some way to go before being able to offer every child the chance of a good or better education. And one important element which helps to drive school improvement is the support of a full, skilled and effective governing board.

The role of a school’s governing board is to make sure that the school’s vision, ethos and strategy are all focussed on ensuring pupils receive the best education possible. Governing boards play a crucial part in raising school standards in three key capacities:

• setting strategic direction
• monitoring school performance
• ensuring the school’s finances are appropriately accounted for.

Governors offer crucial support, as well as professional knowledge and skills.

Download the poster here.

Peter Jones, clerk to the governing body at Wickhambreaux Church of England Primary School near Canterbury, confirms the importance of the role. He said “School governors play a pivotal and tremendously rewarding role in supporting and challenging school leaders in equipping our children with essential skills. Ours is an outstanding school but we know that continuing to provide that level of excellence, requires governors, with the school leadership, to rise to the demands that lie ahead.”

Hannah Riley, Team Leader for the South East at SGOSS – Governors for Schools, said “Being a school governor is a learn-on-the-job role with free training provided where you will pick up skills that can be transferred back into your professional career. We would urge anyone with an interest in driving improvement in local education and enhancing their own skills to get in touch and find out more.”

To learn more about becoming a school governor, please visit the Become a Governor website or contact Hannah Riley via telephone on 020 7288 9534 or by email at hannah.riley@sgoss.org.uk.

Contact Details

Hannah Riley
Telephone: 020 7288 9534
Email: hannah.riley@sgoss.org.uk