Governors work with senior leaders in the strategic development of the school and in raising standards of achievement. Duties include setting the school’s vision, aims & objectives, approving the school budget and appointing the headteacher.
Governors must both support and challenge the headteacher, so need to gain an understanding of the school’s overall performance in order to explain its decisions and actions. They do this by attending regular meetings, carrying out school visits and meeting with senior leaders. They also attend training in order to keep up to date with the requirements of their role. Although there are different categories of governor, they are all equal, work as a team and make collective decisions. All abide by the governing board code of conduct. The categories of governor in the Patcham High School governing board constitution are: 10 co-opted (appointed by the governing board) and one local authority (appointed by the governing board and approved by local authority); parent governors (4) and one staff governor (elected by the parental/staffing board) and headteacher staff governor (who can choose to take up the position). There is also an associate member, who was appointed by the board to add to its skills and knowledge. They do not have a vote. An in-depth handbook about the important work of school governors has been produced by the Department for Education. The minutes from the formal meetings held are posted on the governing board meetings page and these include the attendance of governors. From time to time vacancies arise on the governing board and if you are interested in applying please contact the clerk at clerktogovs@patchamhigh.org.uk for further information and an application form here.
