What Does a Governor Do?

School governors are volunteers who work as a team with the executive principal, headteachers and senior leadership to ensure the highest possible standard of education for every pupil. They are responsible for:

Strategic leadership and direction

• Setting the vision, ethos and strategic priorities for the federation and individual schools.
• Agreeing key policies and long-term plans that guide improvement and achievement.

Accountability and oversight

• Holding senior leaders to account for pupil progress, wellbeing outcomes and overall school performance.
• Monitoring how effectively the schools are achieving their goals and targets.

Financial stewardship

• Overseeing the responsible use of public funds and ensuring money is spent appropriately to support teaching and learning.

Community and stakeholder engagement

• Listening and responding to the views of pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
• Acting as a critical friend — offering both support and constructive challenge to school leaders.

Governors do not manage the day-to-day operation of the school; that is the role of the headteacher and leadership team. Instead, governors take a strategic, long-term view to help each school thrive.

Why Be a Governor?

People choose to serve as school governors for many meaningful reasons, including:

• Making a real difference: Governors influence outcomes for young people and help shape the future of their local community.
• Using and developing skills: Individuals bring a wide range of professional and life experiences — from finance and HR to community leadership — that benefit the federation.
• Supporting great education: Governors help ensure that every child in our schools receives the best possible learning experience.
• Personal growth: Many governors find the role rewarding and enriching, gaining new insights into education and leadership.

Everyone with a commitment to our school communities — whether parents, local residents, or professionals — can contribute valuable perspectives and support.

What Is the Commitment?

Being a governor is a voluntary but important commitment. Key expectations include:

• Serving a term of office: Governors are usually appointed for a term of four years (terms may vary by role and statutory requirements).
• Attending regular meetings: The full Governing Board typically meets several times each year. Governors may also serve on committees or link roles focusing on areas such as safeguarding, finance, or curriculum.
• Preparation and learning: Governors are expected to read meeting papers, ask questions, and engage in ongoing training to fulfil their duties effectively.
• Engaging with the school community: Occasional visits, school events and meetings with staff help governors stay connected with pupils and families.

While the role requires dedication, it is flexible and supported with training and guidance so that all governors can contribute with confidence.

Different Types of Governors

There are two main types of governors on our board:

Foundation Governors (8)
Foundation governors help protect and promote the Christian values and ethos of our Church schools. They are appointed by church bodies or by the Governing Board.

Some are appointed by:

The Bishop of Stepney
The London Diocesan Board for Schools
The Deanery Synod

Others are co-opted, which means they are chosen by the Governing Board because of the skills and experience they bring.

Community Governors (6)

Community governors represent the wider school community and include:

The Executive Principal
Parent governors, who are elected by parents and carers
A staff governor, elected by school staff
A Local Authority governor
A co-opted governor, appointed for specific skills or expertise

How Are Governors Chosen?

• Parent and staff governors are elected
• Foundation governors are appointed by church organisations or the board
• Co-opted governors are chosen for their skills and experience
• Some governors are appointed because of the role they hold

All governors work together as one team and always act in the best interests of pupils across the federation.

All governors are appointed for a fixed term of office, usually four years, and must work collectively in the best interests of all pupils across the federation.

If you’d like to know more about standing for election as a Primary Advantage parent governor or joining our governing team, please contact us  at governorservices@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk — we’d love to hear from you.

Become a Governor

Would you like to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people in our community?

The Primary Advantage Federation is always keen to hear from individuals who are passionate about education and committed to helping our schools thrive. You do not need to be an education expert — we welcome governors from all backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives, skills and enthusiasm to our governing team.

As a governor, you will:

• Help shape the strategic direction of our schools
• Support and challenge school leaders to achieve the best outcomes for pupils
• Gain valuable experience and develop new skills
• Play an active role in your local community

Full training and ongoing support are provided.

If you are interested in becoming a governor, or would like to find out more about current opportunities, please contact us at governorservices@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk or speak to your school office for further information.

Together, we can make a difference.

Governor Documents

• View our Instrument of Government and the Scheme of delegation & governance procedures
• View our Annual review of attendance by governors and LAB members 2024-25
• Register of interests for staff, governors and school budget holders: available on request
• Find out about standing for election as a Primary Advantage parent governor (currently no vacancies)

Our Governing Board