Become a young school governor with Governors for Schools

Schools need people of all ages, and from all walks of life to make a difference.

When you think about school governors, what image pops into your mind?

You might be thinking about parents, old retirees, people who have multiple degrees, you may even have a visual in your head of a specific type of person. People can become school governors from the age of 18 but despite this, the role is dominated by people who are much older. In-fact, only 1% of those in role are aged 30 or younger. We believe, this needs to change.

All you need to know about becoming a school governor

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The role – what do school governors do?

School governors offer strategic guidance to schools. They sit at board-level, ask questions and provide challenge to the senior leadership.

This doesn’t mean that you need senior experience to volunteer though, in fact voices of those that may have left education more recently than other board members are highly valued – you’re able to offer your own perspective to important discussions. Similarly, you don’t need education or finance experience – more general transferable skills will be highly valued.

Find out more about the role

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The benefits – why should young adults become school governors?

Wondering why as a young adult you should volunteer to become a school governor? Interested in taking on the role but want to find out more?

This blog post explores the benefits of younger people volunteering for a school governance position, both for you, and your local community.

Benefits of school governance

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The process – how can you become a young school governor?

We’re proud to have been finding school governors, and helping schools build exceptional boards for 25 years.

We’re successful in engaging a broad range of volunteers and have the support and training materials in place to ensure those that are new to the role and responsibilities, such as young governors, are able to hit the ground running as they start their school governance journey.

Learn about the process

Pathway to Governance

Pathway to Governance is a unique programme designed to help make school governance accessible and relatable and is particularly suitable for:

Those starting out on their career journey.
Young adults with more recent lived experience of the education system.
Those who bring a diversity of skills but not necessarily from a professional background.
Those who are interested in school governance but are lacking confidence in their ability to carry out the role effectively.

Find out more about PtG Watch our PtG video

The importance of young adults as school governors

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Vital role of youth leadership in school governance

School governors put simply, offer strategic guidance to schools. They sit at the top of the school and make strategic decisions.

They aren’t operational, meaning they offer suggestions, challenge, and guidance on the schools strategic direction, budgets, and decisions of school leaders, rather than being the ones who make the decisions themselves.

Read blog

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Honey Fafowora’s school governance journey

Honey Fafowora is a young adult and Lead Policy Analyst at the Bank of England. She was appointed as a school governor through our service in January 2020, and sat on the board of Robert Barclay Academy until January 2024. We spoke to her about her school governance journey, why she became a school governor, some highlights from her time in the role, and what she’d say to anyone considering it.

Read her story

Apply to become a school governor

Ready to apply and take on all this all important role within education?

Make a difference in your community by applying today. Shape the future, support education, and empower students. Join us in creating lasting a impact for the next generation.

Fill out our application form