Gledhow Primary School

We are currently looking to recruit new co-opted governors to join our governing body

Our governors come from a range of different backgrounds, skills and experience but all share a common interest in wanting the best possible education for the children in our school.  We are particularly interested in people with HR skills, buildings & facilities management skills, health & safety experience,  early years expertise, and people who can support the school in developing our role in the local community.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone who:-  

• is interested in children’s education and the performance of the school;
• is community spirited and would like to represent the community;
• has spare time and the energy for the role;
• is able to work well as part of a team;
• has an enquiring mind and the confidence to ask questions and debate issues that affect the school; and
• can consider matters objectively and make informed judgements.

These volunteer unpaid positions are open to people from our community.  Co-opted governors are not elected by a parent election but are instead appointed directly by the governing body.

What is the role of the governing body?

Helping to set and review the school's strategic direction and agreeing targets for improvement; holding the headteacher and school leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;  and overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure public money is well spent.

What does the role offer?

A chance to develop your own personal skills; access to a programme of free training in respect of education / governance matters; a sense of achievement in helping make a difference to children reaching their potential; and the support of fellow governors.

Being a school governor is a challenging but hugely rewarding role. It will give you the chance to make a real difference to the children of Gledhow, to give something back to your local community and the opportunity to use your skills to support our teachers and wider staff. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country: there are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.

Time Commitment

The time commitment will vary depending on the needs of the school but is usually around eight hours a month.  This includes meetings, background reading, attending training and making school visits. In looking to fill these vacancies we need people who can commit to approximately 8-10 evenings a year and who are ideally able to make visits during the school day. 

About Gledhow Primary School
from our Chair of Governors

Gledhow is an expanding primary school (ages 2-11) with currently over 550 pupils on roll.  We are always delighted when parents provide positive feedback.  In our forums this year our parents have told us that the children are happy, staff are kind and caring, the school has a friendly family feel and the Early Years' provision provides a fantastic start for children.  Our headteacher is Sarah Parkinson, an experienced headteacher who joined the school in September 2018. 

It is an exciting time to join our governing body.  The team IS amazing to work with: committed, focused, generous with their time, self-less in their approach, open and honest, prepared to debate, discuss and challenge.  There is a good atmosphere when we meet, and it feels terrific to work together to achieve challenging goals.  We enjoy an open and honest relationship with leaders in the school.  Since joining in December 2018, I have been continually amazed by the commitment, dedication and team spirit of the staff at Gledhow.  I am always met with smiles and it is wonderful to be part of the school.  Being a governor is challenging, but be reassured that you are joining a team where everyone helps each other, where training is high on our agenda and where your efforts are appreciated.  I hope that you will consider joining us.

Vicky Crane, Chair of Governors

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply and there is no upper age limit for applications, and as such we are keen to hear from retired people who wish to be involved in school life.  We appreciate the benefits diversity can bring and seek to encourage applications from all backgrounds, ethnicities and religions to ensure we have a strong team.  At the moment, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants who are not parents of children at Gledhow - this is to ensure we achieve an objective, external viewpoint as well as a picture of the school from a parental/grandparent viewpoint.

If you would like to know more about the school and the role, we are happy to meet with you and provide a tour of Gledhow Primary. Simply call the school office to arrange a visit stating that you are interested in joining the governing body.

Application forms can be collected from our school office or can be downloaded from this page.
Applications can be submitted via the school office or by email to our Chair of Governors (Vicky Crane) chairofgovernors@gledhowschool.org 

We are actively recruiting and we are therefore accepting applications for co-opted governors.  Please do get in touch.

Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and to confirm their eligibility to serve as a school governor. It is good practice for schools to take up references before confirming their decision to appoint you so do be prepared to provide these if requested. You will also need to complete a Declaration of Interests' form. The school will support you in completing these documents and further information can be found on the National Association of School Governance. www.nga.org.uk

Other useful forms and guidance:

The following forms are completed with the aid of our business manager after applications have approved.  However, in making a decision as to whether you are eligible to be a governor, you may wish to refer to them.