School governors play a vital strategic role by:
- Setting the direction of the school through its vision, values and long‑term priorities.
- Holding school leaders to account for educational performance, pupil outcomes and the wellbeing of staff and students.
- Overseeing the school’s finances, ensuring resources are well‑used and represent value for money.
Together, these three core functions ensure that every child attends a school that is ambitious, well‑run and focused on excellent outcomes.
School governors do not have to be experts in education. That's the role of teaching staff. The headteacher will always manage how the school itself is run.
To find out more about being a school governor, visit the National Governance Association website.
References
As part of your application, you will need to provide details of two referees who can comment on your suitability to become a school governor.
Your referees must:
- be responsible adults who have known you for at least two years
- include at least one person who knows you in a professional capacity (for example a manager, colleague or community leader)
- not be related to you
By providing their details, you confirm they are happy to be contacted. We will contact both referees as part of the application process to support your suitability to become a school governor.
Check you are eligible
Please refer to the legal eligibility requirements to ensure that you are eligible to be a school governor.
Eligibility requirements
Most people aged 18 or over can become a school governor. This is a voluntary role and you do not need specific qualifications.
However, there are some legal reasons why someone may not be eligible.
Before applying, you should read the information below to make sure you are eligible.
You can apply if you are:
- aged 18 or over at the time of appointment
- willing to support and improve the school
- able to attend meetings and contribute to the governing board
- not disqualified under the criteria listed below
You do not need to be a parent or have experience in education.
You cannot apply if:
You already hold the same role
You cannot be a governor at the same school more than once in the same category.
You have certain financial restrictions
You cannot be a governor if you are currently subject to:
- bankruptcy restrictions
- a debt relief restrictions order
- insolvency restrictions that have not been resolved
- interim orders for both bankruptcy and debt relief
- a sequestration of estate clause, which means the court has taken control of your property or assets to pay creditors
You have been disqualified from governance roles
You cannot be a governor if you have:
- been disqualified from being a company director
- been removed from managing a charity due to misconduct or mismanagement
You are disqualified from working with children
You cannot be a governor if you:
- are barred from working with children
- are on a list of people considered unsuitable to work with children or young people
- are disqualified from working in schools
- are disqualified from being an independent school teacher, employee, or proprietor
- are disqualified from registering for child-minding or providing day care
All governors must be willing to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
You have certain criminal convictions
You cannot be a governor if you have:
- been sentenced to 3 months or more in prison (without the option of a fine) in the last 5 years
- been sentenced to 2 years or more in prison in the last 20 years
- ever been sentenced to 5 years or more in prison
- been fined for causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises within the last 5 years
What happens when you apply
When you apply:
- you will be asked to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements
- you will need to complete a DBS check if appointed
- you will be required to sign a declaration confirming your eligibility
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you cannot be appointed as a school governor.
Before you apply
By submitting an application, you confirm that:
- you have read and understood the eligibility criteria
- you are eligible to become a school governor
- you agree to complete the required checks and declaration