St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Swindon

What is a Parent Governor?

School governors are volunteers who help in the leadership of the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors - together they are called the 'governing body' or ‘board of directors’ (if the school is an academy). They get involved at a strategic level, eg overseeing the budgets and curriculum, rather than the day-to-day running of the school.

Governors also help to make decisions about the school’s long-term goals. At St Mary’s School, they support the Executive Head Teacher, but also ask questions to make sure the Senior Leadership Team is taking the school in the right direction.

St Mary’s School believes very strongly that it is important to have parents involved in the governance of the school, so please think about applying for the role of Parent Governor.

School governors play an important role in the life of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School. They provide strategic leadership and accountability and support the school in delivering its aims and objectives and ensuring the correct policies, plans and procedures are in place.

 At St Mary's, the role of Governors also includes the promotion of the school’s Catholic character and mission. The majority of our Governors are Foundation governors who are appointed by the Bishop and they are responsible for ensuring the religious character of the school is upheld and the school is run in accordance with Diocesan policies. 

 In addition to this, Governors are responsible for overseeing and agreeing the school budget, premises and admissions. Governors appoint and work closely with the Headteacher who manages these responsibilities alongside the day to day management and control of the school, delivery of the curriculum and implementation of policies on their behalf on a daily basis.  The Governors meet regularly to provide challenge and support for the school - they are the Headteacher’s “critical friend”.

If you would like to speak to any of the Governors about their role or their vision for the school or any other matter, please get in touch via email: governor@st-marys.swindon.sch.uk