Schools and education

Bishop Arden project update: Due to projections showing the need for secondary school places in Hillingdon continuing to fall, plans for Bishop Arden Free School have been withdrawn and the new free school that was previously proposed will not be built.

School governors

Our maintained schools are in need of school governors to make a valuable contribution to children's education, opportunities and futures.

What is the role of a school governor?

School governors, who work together as a Governing Board, have a strategic responsibility for the progress of pupils in schools and to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education.

Governors monitor and evaluate performance through analysing data.

What makes a good school governor?

  • You care about improving children's education.
  • You want to contribute to your local community.
  • You want to work as part of a team and can value the contribution made by other people.
  • You are willing to ask questions.
  • You are open to ideas, willing to learn and share expertise.

Who can become a school governor? 

Anyone wishing to apply to become a school governor must be aged over 18 and not be a current pupil at any school. You do not need to be a Hillingdon resident.

Schools need volunteers with a variety of life experiences who have:

  • a commitment to undertake mandatory new governor training and other supplementary training that may be identified to update knowledge and skills
  • a commitment to regularly attend meetings of the Governing Board and any committees to which you are appointed.

Training for school governors

There is a wide range of training and support available for school governors to assist in carrying out your duties effectively.

It is particularly important for new governors to take advantage of the induction training available, as these provide an introduction to the major responsibilities, roles and tasks of the Governing Board. 

Interested in becoming a school governor?

If you would like to know more about this excellent opportunity, please email schoolgovernance@hillingdon.gov.uk,

Page last updated: 09 Nov 2023