The Local Governing Committee are currently recruiting for 3 Foundation Governors and 2 Parent Governors. 

Being a school governor 

St Gildas Catholic Primary School is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust (DCET), a multi-academy trust that oversees several Catholic schools across Somerset, North Somerset, BANES and Wiltshire, within the Diocese of Clifton. 

We welcome applications from individuals who want to be a governor at the school and become a member of the school’s Local Governing Committee (LGC) whose responsibility is primarily, to ensure the school meets the needs of pupils within the framework, policies, and strategic direction of the DCET Trust. 

Each school has their own Local Governing Committee made up of foundation, staff and parent governors. The LGC works to ensure the best educational outcomes for children within the school and Trust’s budgetary constraints.  

What are governors’ responsibilities? 

Primarily governors are responsible for ensuring there is a clarity of purpose, ethos, and strategic direction. They hold senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and as a governor within the Catholic family ensure the school promotes the ethos, values, and practice of the Catholic faith. 

The Local Governing Committee works closely with the headteacher and senior leaders. Whilst headteachers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, the role of the governors is to ensure; 

• the Trust’s mission, values and long-term ambitions are realised 

• the school achieves the best outcomes for pupils and that pupils have a positive and constructive learning experience 

• Trust and school policies are implemented 

• the ethos, practice and values of the Catholic church underpin school life 

• all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life  

• the school works within their delegated budget 

• robust risk management procedures are in place and that risk control measures are appropriate and effective  

Governors must ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements and that the school implements policies effectively. 

How do you fulfil your role? 

As a governor on the Local Governing Committee, you will monitor the school’s performance and progress. In addition to receiving papers and information governors can fulfil their role in many ways by participating in organised visits to the school and scrutinising the implementation of policies. 

Schools are vibrant places where children learn and develop. As a governor you too can enjoy being part of school activities and use informal opportunities get to know more about the school, its staff and its pupils and to celebrate pupil success. 

How much time will it take? 

Usually there are six Local Governing Committee meetings over the year, each lasting approximately two hours.  

In addition, governors take up ‘link’ roles and attend the school to learn more about specific areas. This may be an area which has interest for you or something that uses your skills and knowledge. An example might be, being a link governor for the school’s religious education or the teaching of maths/English. 

All governors are inducted into their role and receive support and information to help them fulfil their responsibilities. You will be expected to undertake training, much of which is on-line and some of which is a statutory requirement. 

Very occasionally you may also be asked to participate in governor panels arranged for a variety of reasons. 

And finally 

Governors are not alone, and therefore you are not expected to know everything. Everyone brings a range of skills and knowledge, but all governors are expected to work collectively in their support of the school. 

In addition, each Local Governing Committee is supported by a clerk who assists with meetings and training and ensuring you have all the information, papers, and knowledge you need to fulfil your role effectively. 

Interested? 

If you are interested in becoming a local governor, you can contact the school to arrange an initial discussion with the Chair of the Local Governing Committee.

Whilst the school recruits and administers applications from parents and staff governors, the Diocese of Clifton manages the recruitment of foundation governors.  Usually, foundation governors are drawn from the local area and recruited for the skills and experience they can bring to the school. Whilst foundation governors do not have to be practising Catholics, they must uphold the religious ethos and principles set out in the school’s religious education policies. More details on how to apply to be a foundation governor can be found on the Diocese of Clifton’s website under sections ‘Leadership and Governance’ > ‘Recruitment’. 

Prospective governor applicants can find out more information from the Trust website: Governance | The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust.  

We strongly recommend all potential governors contact the school in the first instance to explore their interest and confirm eligibility.