This National School Governors’ Awareness Day we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our governors for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering support. Governors play a vital role in providing strategic oversight, challenge, and support, ensuring the best outcomes for our students, staff, and school communities. To celebrate their contributions, we reached out to our governors to hear about their experiences, motivations for joining and the rewards of governance.

 

Why did you decide to become a governor?

“I wanted to understand more about how schools worked and try to show my gratitude to the school community with my time in a way I felt I was skilled to do”. - Stacey Kennedy – Co-opted Governor at Brooke Weston Academy

“Beyond the opportunity to give back, serving as a governor has also been invaluable for my professional development (CPD). It has allowed me to volunteer, make a real impact in my community, and gain leadership experience that has been beneficial in my career”. - Demelza Burn – Chair of Governors at Corby Technical School

 

What have you found most rewarding about being a governor?

“One of my proudest moments as a governor has been witnessing our school achieve significant milestones—such as the successful implementation of new initiatives for writing, that is already after only a half term, proving of great benefit to the children, it is opening their imaginations and encouraging them to express this through their narratives. Seeing our children grow academically and personally is a source of immense pride”. – Trace Lee – Staff Governor at Peckover Primary School

"The most rewarding part of being a governor is seeing how the school supports all children both with SEN needs and without and how every child is an individual with their own educational journey. Peckover School support children to become the best they can be and give them every opportunity to experience the world of childhood on both an academic and personal level. Spending time with the incredible SEN team has been nothing but incredible and the work they do and the passion they show is amazing”.  – Sarah Dodkin – Parent Governor at Peckover Primary School

 

How has being a governor impacted you personally or professionally?

“Professionally, it exposed me to challenges I had not yet encountered in the work place, I have been able to use some of my experiences as a governor directly in interview questions for promotions. It broadens my experience and makes me a more rounded employee. 

Personally, being a governor has helped me settle into the local areas we have moved to over the years. We have had to relocate frequently due to work, being a governor is a great way to join a community and helped me feel closer to my children understanding the place they spend so much of their time!”. – Stacey Kennedy – Co-opted Governor at Brooke Weston Academy

“Being a governor has been challenging, at times. Sitting on an exclusion panel, particularly when the young person involved is present, is not a pleasant thing to do, but it is rewarding to have a voice in the process and help make sure the right outcome is reached. I think I've grown as a person since I took on the role and have also received useful training and insight that has fed into my professional life”. – Karen Rust – Parent Governor at Corby Technical School

 

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a governor?

“My advice? Just do it. As the Nike slogan says, you won’t regret it! Becoming a governor is a truly rewarding experience that allows you to make a real difference in education.

Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you’ll also meet new people, work as part of a strong, supportive team, and play an active role in shaping the future of a school. If you’re passionate about education and want to contribute to your local community, there’s no better way to get involved”. - Demelza Burn – Chair of Governors at Corby Technical School

“For those considering becoming a governor, I encourage you to commit fully to the role and be prepared to dedicate the necessary time. Engaging in training sessions is essential, as is maintaining an open mind and actively participating in meetings, being prepared to challenge senior leadership and subject leads. Building connections with fellow governors, staff and children can also provide invaluable insight, advice and support”. – Trace Lee – Staff Governor at Peckover Primary School

 

What’s been your proudest moment or greatest achievement as a governor?

“Days like Governors days and school performances are the most rewarding and incredible opportunities. So much work goes into each and every performance and every child are made to feel like the star, empowering them to be brave, try something new, be the best they can be. Whether that be the main part or part of an ensemble, each and every child is the star and encouraged to feel confident in their role. Governor days give the unique opportunity to see the working cogs of the school in action, to watch the staff working as a team, the children engaging in learning and the school running as a well-oiled machine producing magic as it goes. The staff are always happy and enthusiastic to answer questions and show off their classes achievements and the children are always so very happy and lost in learning. What more could you want?” – Sarah Dodkin – Parent Governor at Peckover Primary School

 

“Attending the last annual prize giving day and seeing the young people of the school celebrated was a particularly uplifting moment. Becoming a governor has given me a new appreciation of my children's school, and what the staff do, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in making a difference in their local community. I feel proud to say I'm a governor”. – Karen Rust – Parent Governor at Corby Technical School

Being a governor is a privilege and a responsibility, but above all, it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a school and its students. Whether you're looking for a way to give back, develop your leadership skills, or simply challenge yourself in a new environment, becoming a school governor is an experience we highly recommend.

Are you ready to make a difference? Get involved today by contacting Kayleigh.davis@brookewestontrust.org