Introduction by the Chair

My name is Gill Chitty and I am the current Chair of the Governing Body at Hartford High School. It has been my privilege to be a Community Governor for the past thirteen years, during which time it seems the only constant has been change! I first became involved when my three children were pupils at the school. They all enjoyed their time at Hartford and when I was invited to join the Governing Body I felt it was a way of putting something back into the school and the local community. I am fortunate to work alongside some of the most hardworking, able and committed governors and staff you could ever wish to meet, but the most rewarding part of the role by far is witnessing our pupils’ wide variety of achievements.

What is the role of a Governor?

Governors are responsible for making sure that the school provides the highest possible standard of education for its pupils, with a very clear focus on raising standards of achievement. All stakeholders are represented on the Governing Body – parents, staff, the Education Authority and the local community. We work together as a team, setting the school’s aims and agreeing its policies which are designed to promote the most effective ways of teaching and learning. We do this together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. Headteachers are chosen by governors, and it is one of the most important decisions a Governing Body can make.

When we meet to discuss the school’s budget, staffing, pupils’ welfare or building developments on the site, we always consider what impact our decisions will have towards improving the pupils’ learning. We plan the future direction of the school; make sure the National Curriculum is taught; decide how best the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, cultural and moral development; and make sure that we provide for all our pupils, including those with special needs. We work closely not only with the Headteacher but all members of the Leadership Team, who act as advisers in our meetings. We are able to ask relevant questions, challenge recommendations where appropriate, and offer support when needed.

To help us make the best possible decisions in our meetings we involve ourselves as much as possible in school life. We do this in a variety of ways, including linking each governor with a curriculum team, visiting the school, helping to make staff appointments, meeting with the student council, holding surgeries, attending school events and accompanying school trips. This not only makes us better informed but it is also very rewarding and enjoyable.

Are you interested in becoming a Governor?

Governors do not need to have any special skills or qualifications and the Local Education Authority provides the necessary training. If you think you might like to become a parent governor you will need to be a parent of a pupil in the school.

If you would like to know whether there are any current vacancies please contact the Clerk to Governors, Mr D Nield, on 01606 786051.