School Governors

We expect our children to achieve the highest possible standards according to their ability, to develop their talents to the full, and to become socially conscious, confident, tolerant and hard-working members of society in the future. The Governors of Longnor CE Primary School are responsible for the strategic leadership of the school and for ensuring the school is run to promote the highest standards of education to ensure these achievements.

The responsibilities of the Governing Body are defined in law and include:

planning the future direction of the school
promoting high standards of educational achievement, including monitoring progression and achievement
ensuring the quality of the curriculum
managing the school budget including prioritising spending and approving staffing levels
appointment of the Headteacher and supporting the appointment of other staff
providing a parental voice
acting as a critical friend, providing both support and challenge.

The Governing Body is ultimately accountable to the public, although individual governors are generally protected from personal liability provided they act honestly, in good faith and within their powers. The Headteacher and staff are responsible to the Governing Body for the delivery of the curriculum, use of public resources and the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The governors are not involved in the day to day operation of the school.

The Governing Body performs most of its work in three standing committees: Curriculum, Finance & Personnel and Buildings, Health and Safety. Ad hoc committees are set up in certain circumstances, for example to recruit a new head teacher or establish wrap around care. Additionally, every governor is expected to take responsibility for one or more subject areas. Normally, the full Governing Body meets every term and the committees report to these meetings.

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many will have a knowledge of education but Governors from other areas of work or experience bring a vital outside view, making suggestions and asking questions which might not be thought of by people closely involved with the school. Personal qualities such as enthusiasm, tact and the willingness to listen and question are more important than specific knowledge or experience of education. Individual Governors will have differing beliefs, values, views and experience to contribute to the work of the Governing Body. There is a full training programme provided by the Local Authority including induction training for new governors.

Details of the governing body membership can be found using the link below:

Governing-Body-Membership-2025-2026

Governing Body Membership January 2026

Link to DfE page

Governor report September 2023

Link to benchmarking page