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Become a school governor

A governing board sets a school's strategic direction, holds the headteacher to account for performance and makes sure the budget is properly managed. GOV.UK says anyone can apply, you need not be a parent, and training can be provided for those without specific knowledge.

ModerateFreeA year or moreIndoorsWith othersUK

How to start

  1. Read the GOV.UK guide to becoming a school governor or academy trustee, which also points to the separate guidance for Wales and Northern Ireland.
  2. Contact a school near you, a local academy trust, your council or a recruitment charity such as Governors for Schools.
  3. Ask to observe a full board meeting before you commit to a term.

Where to go

We opened this link on 8 October 2026 and found it to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.

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