Parent Governor Vacancy

Would you like to join our Governing Body?

Being a governor at St Mark’s is a really important role. At it’s heart it is about supporting and challenging the school in a friendly way, in order to make it better for the children and staff.

Governors are involved in the strategic direction of the school; they ask questions and hold the school to account. This is quite different to the operational running of the school, which is the responsibility of the headteacher.

Being a parent governor requires you to have a passion for our school because it requires dedication, time and effort! Notably, time for: 

  • Reading reports, minutes, and other paperwork
  • Attending GB meetings – usually 2 per half-term, on either Wednesdays or Thursdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
  • Coming into school to meet with staff and pupils, and writing up a follow-up report.
  • Having a responsibility for an area of the school, for example, for Maths or Health and Safety.

Why become a parent governor?

  • You have input into making a positive difference and steering the direction of the school.
  • You work alongside a fantastic group of other governors.
  • You get full training for the role, as well as on-going training on all aspects of school life.

What the governing body isn’t!:

  • It’s not a PTA.
  • It’s not a way to gain preferential treatment for your child.
  • It’s not a light-hearted role that you can drop in and out of.

The GB operates as two sub-committees called Resources (staff, finance, buildings etc) and Standards (curriculum, results etc). A governor is usually on only one of these committees, as well as attending Full Governing Body (FGB) meetings.  THere are other smaller and ingrequest committees such as Pay and Performance Management committees. 

You can find out more about our governors, including pen-portaits, here.

What do I do if I am interested?

  • Please email adminoffice@st-markscofe.hants.sch.uk to request an application form or if you’d like to find out more from either Mr Applegate or Aidan Kinnell (Chair).
  • Applications must be recieved by 12pm on Thursday 8th July.
  • If multiple parents are interested, we will hold a ballot across the school and request all parents to take part in the vote. A pen-portrait will be given to parents to find out who they could vote for. This will take place from 9th July to 20th July. We will then know the result before the end of term.

Best regards,

Charles Applegate and Aidan Kinnell

Thank you Steve!

Steve Milligan is stepping down from our Governing Body, having successfully gained a place on the Brighton Hill GB for September.

Steve has had a very positive impact on our school, being on the GB for many years, in many roles, including Chair. This is no small feat! His dedication and effort to our GB and the wider school community has been much appreciated, including at practical events like DIY days and projects. Steve’s calm and wise manner have been valued attributes, and consistently shown throughout his time.
 
It’s been a family affair too, with Janey supporting our FOSM PTA whilst his daugther was a pupil with us. Brighton Hill are fortunate to have Steve supporting and challenging the school to continue to improve, and we wish him all the best there.
 
Steve says, “It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of a governing body at such an amazing school and I am sure the school will go from strength to strength.”
 
We’re grateful for all that Steve has given!