Supporting Our Schools: Reflections from a School Governor

Today I attended a school governor meeting, marking nearly four years since I first took on the role at Totley Primary School.

I originally became a governor because there was a vacancy and I had a small amount of capacity to give back to our community. Like many of the roles I’ve stepped into over the years, it wasn’t driven by ambition or a long-term plan, but by my simple principle: where there is a gap and I can help, I will. I’ve always believed that unless I can bring significantly more value than someone else, my time is often better spent stepping into roles that might otherwise go unfilled, rather than competing for a role.

Standing as a councillor is, of course, different. There are five other candidates seeking to represent Dore and Totley ward in the upcoming election. I am sure they all have a genuine desire to do a good job. However, I also believe I can bring something distinct to the role. I genuinely believe that my impact would be substantially more positive than the others. My range of experience, combined with my natural ability to empathise, manage multiple priorities, and see solutions when others cannot means I can understand problems and push for the real improvements.

These skills and more helped me run a successful business with my husband, and lead a international NGO in my 20s. I have always been able to see things differently. Sometimes things have always been done a certain way, because it works, but sometimes it is no one has questioned it. I will question it. I bring energy, optimism, and a strong desire to connect with and listen to residents.

Returning to my experience as a school governor, it was something entirely new to me when I began. While I’ve had some experience in education, including teaching at a summer school in Hong Kong and covering secondary school classes in Barnsley and Sheffield, my exposure to primary education was largely limited to my own time as a pupil and, more recently, through my children’s experiences. I completed the mandatory training, undertook additional learning, spent time researching, and asked plenty of questions along the way. I visited the school and took on additional link roles also.

What I’ve discovered since is a role that is both fascinating and deeply rewarding.

One of the most striking aspects of being a governor is the insight it provides into the work that happens behind the scenes. School staff do far more than most parents and pupils ever see. There is a constant and determined focus on supporting disadventaged children, supporting vulnerable pupils, and ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances and abilities has the opportunity to succeed.

This support goes well beyond the classroom. Schools are increasingly playing a vital role in supporting families, responding to complex needs, and adapting to challenges that extend far beyond education alone. The commitment, care, and professionalism shown by staff is something I feel privileged to witness.

As a governor, I’m incredibly proud to be part of a school community that is striving to improve in every area, every single day. Even when they received an Outstanding rating last year, they didn’t relax (well perhaps for a moment), they continued to discuss how to be better for their pupils and how to share their success with other schools.

However, it would be unrealistic not to acknowledge the challenges. Schools are operating in increasingly difficult circumstances. Budgets are tighter than ever, while the needs of pupils continue to grow. These are not small issues, and they require strong advocacy, collaboration, and long-term commitment.

In our ward, we have four primary schools and one secondary school, each with their own context and priorities, but all facing similar pressures. These are: Bradway Primary School, Dore Primary School, Totley All Saints, Totley Primary School, and King Ecgbert School. As an active member of the community, I have spent time in and around all of these schools and know many of the children and families connected to them.

If elected, I will do everything I can to support our local schools, champion their needs, and ensure they have the resources and backing required to continue their vital work in our community.