CAPTION: Governors in schools across Devon help to make a difference to the lives of children and young people...could you join them?
Help to Transform the Lives of Children and Young People in Devon by Becoming a School Governor
Devon’s three bishops are backing a campaign to encourage people from all walks of life to become school governors and help transform the lives of children across the county.
Rev’d Matt Clayton is a Governor at St Luke’s Church of England School, Exeter
The Be a Governor campaign is being relaunched this week by the Church of England in Devon.
The bishops of Exeter, Crediton and Plymouth have all been school governors themselves. The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, said, “Education is one of the greatest gifts we give to our children.
“As a governor I’ve enjoyed supporting school leaders in their commitment to helping children grow and thrive.
“Our Church Schools enable this within the care and values of a Christian community, and so it’s vital to have governors who can be part of this.”
The CofE has statutory responsibility for 134 primary and secondary schools across Devon and there are a number of governor vacancies.
The Be a Governor campaign aims to show how rewarding volunteering as a school governor can be, and what a difference it can make to pupils.
School governors play a critical role in education. Whilst the headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, the governance board is responsible for strategic leadership and accountability.
Governors help shape the school’s vision and values, supporting the headteachers whilst keeping them accountable, and overseeing the financial performance of the school. People don’t need to be a parent or have a background in education to become a governor. Subject to safeguarding checks, they just need to be over 18.
Joyce MacGregor wanted to be a part of shaping a brighter future for children and young people.
Joyce MacGregor became a governor at St Peter’s Church of England School in Exeter when she arrived in the UK from overseas.
She said, “Young people and education are always on my heart, so after settling in the UK I decided to apply to be a school governor.
“I wanted to learn more about education and contribute to the betterment of young people’s lives.”
Rev’d Matt Clayton, who is the Vicar at Unlimited Church in Exeter, is a governor at St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter. He decided to become a school governor because he wanted to support young people and help them to flourish.
“We get to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people who really matter,” he said.
The Diocese of Exeter’s Education team offers support and training for anyone interested in becoming a school governor.
The team will be holding information webinars on Monday 29 September at 6pm and Tuesday 14 October at 2pm. These will be an opportunity to hear from the education team about what becoming a governor involves, along with time to ask any questions people may have. To sign up, please email the Education Team.
You can also find out more information about becoming a governor on our website.
Sue Lockwood, the Diocese of Exeter Director of Education, said: “Those involved in governance play a really important part in ensuring schools provide the very best opportunities for children, young people and adults within the school community- it is vital work and has the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of many.”
Lis Grandy is a Governor at South Molton United Primary School, in North Devon, and was awarded a St Boniface award for serving with joy in her role as a governor.
Paul Stock, Diocesan Education Advisor, said, “Local schools are at the heart of our communities, and strong governance is key to their success. Governors help organisations stay accountable, inclusive, and focused on continuous improvement.
“It’s a rewarding opportunity to give back, grow personally, and help build a brighter future for young people in your area.
“Join us in making a difference—become a school governor and help shape the future of education.”
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said, “Being a governor of my local Primary School when I was a vicar was a really concrete way of supporting the children and young people of that school.
“It’s rewarding and I think I probably gained as much as I gave, in terms of insights, skills and relationships”
The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt. Rev’d James Grier, agreed: “In our Church of England schools, we’re not just about teaching lessons or academic success, we’re helping children to be all they can be in body, mind and spirit. Governors are part of that story,” he said.
“If you care about giving young people the best start in life, this is a wonderful way to serve. It’s deeply rewarding – and it really does change lives.”
