Parent Governor Elections 2025

We have two vacancies for the role of parent governor on our governing board. We are now inviting applications. If you would like to apply, please complete the candidate form (available above) and return to the school office by 9:30am on Monday 8th December. Copies can also be emailed to bursar@st-stephens.lancs.sch.uk   

The role of the governing board:
The school’s governing board is responsible for providing strategic leadership, and creating robust accountability, oversight and assurance for the school’s educational and financial performance. As the governing board of a Church of England school, the board also evaluates the school’s Christian and faith ethos.

The role of a parent governor:
As a parent governor, you’ll work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties referred to above. You’ll also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board, although you’re not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.

To be a parent governor you should have:

• An unwavering commitment to the vision of the school

• A strong commitment to securing excellent outcomes for children

• Good inter-personal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills

Expectations of governors:
The role of parent governor is incredibly rewarding and carries significant responsibilities. Expectations of governors include:

• Excellent attendance at meetings. This includes three annual meetings of the full governing board, and additional committee meetings (according to the committees you agree to join). All meetings are held in the early evenings (starting at 5:30pm). Committee meetings are remote, full board meetings are face-to-face.

• Maintaining confidentiality.

• Commitment to attending training.

• Commitment to keeping up-to-date with key themes in national and local education policy.

• Visiting the school (during the school day). The frequency and timing of these visits will depend on specific roles assigned to you.

• Carrying out the role for the full term of office (4 years).

Eligibility and applications:
If you currently have a child at St Stephen’s, you are eligible to apply. To apply, please complete the candidate form (available above) and return to the school office by 9:30am on Monday 8th December.

If we receive more applications than vacancies, a ballot will be carried out.

The governors of St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School know that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore encourage applications from all interested candidates, especially those from groups that are likely to be underrepresented in the existing governing board.