“Governors provide effective support and challenge to the school.”

(Ofsted Report March 2025)

Governors' Information and Duties

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing the strategic decisions of the school. The members of the Governing Board come from all areas of the school, including teachers, support staff, parents, members of the local community and those appointed by the Local Authority.  The clerk to the Governors attends meetings and ensures that minutes, records and papers of the Governing Board are properly recorded and maintained.

The first thing to say about being a Governor is that whilst at times it can be challenging and consuming, it is also tremendously rewarding and fulfilling. The Governing body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and Local Authority. Whilst the Headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the Governors are involved with the strategic planning including, staffing, pastoral and buildings and finance. School Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools.

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• Jointly set the aims and objectives for the school
• Engage in the development of policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher (a critical friend)
• Make decisions about the school’s budget and staffing requirements.
• Encourage members of the Governing Body to take on roles and responsibilities and training to broaden understanding and develop succession planning

The real benefit of being a School Governor is it allows you to give something back to the local community whilst at the same time knowing that in some way you have helped make a difference.

If you would like to be part of the Thomlinson Junior School Governing Body please enquire by contacting our Clerk, Mrs Karen Myers, on 016973 42432 or by email at sbm@thomlinson.cumbria.sch.uk

Thomlinson Junior School  Governors  - 2025-2026

The Governing Body is currently made up as follows:

Thomlinson Junior School has up to five full governing body meetings per school year. All governors are invited to attend these meetings. There are three committees which meet at least once per term – Curriculum, Standards & Pupil Welfare, Health & Safety plus Finance, Staffing & Premises.