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Schools seeking 107 new governors
More than 100 people are needed to fill school governor vacancies in the north of the county.
This month the Evening Telegraph revealed national charity School Governors' One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) had pledged to enlist 120 new school governors for the county in the coming year.
The full extent of the shortage in the north of the county can now be revealed, with dozens of schools seeking a total of 107 governors.
The lack of willing volunteers is a cause for concern for schools as individuals can bring in invaluable expertise and help drive up educational standards.
There are currently 33 vacancies in Wellingborough, including three each at Friars School, Redwell Infants school and Sir Christopher Hatton school; 34 in Kettering, with Latimer Arts College and Henry Gotch both needing three new governors; 28 in East Northamptonshire and 12 in Corby.
Debbie Withers, headteacher of Wren Spinney school in Westover Drive, Kettering, has recently filled the last community governor position at her school.
She said: "We have been lucky in that our last few governors have come from a business background outside the school.
"Having to become more businesslike than in the past it is a great help to have these types of people.
"In order for schools to move forward we need to bring these people into schools.
"They can see things in the school in a different way and can ask questions such as why things are done in a certain way and allow us to look at things in a different way and to be accountable."
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a school governor as long as they do not hold a position at another school and are not disqualified from working with children.
A spokesman from Northamptonshire County Council said: "Governors have a crucial role to play in raising standards of achievement within schools.
"They bring perspectives from ordinary life and work closely with the headteacher and the council help secure the best possible education for the children in the school.
"Governors have a wide range of important school responsibilities such as managing the school budget, overseeing the curriculum and appointing staff.
"Becoming a governor is a real opportunity for people to get heavily involved in the running of local schools and make a difference for children, parents, teachers and communities alike.
"It's also a chance for people to develop their skills, widen their experience and ultimately influence the education of thousands of children."
A spokesman for SGOSS said: "Becoming a school governor is an excellent way to get involved in the local community and make sure local children receive the highest standards of education."
Last year SGOSS helped recruit 170 governors – 50 more than its target – and this year wants to attract another 120.
Application forms to become governors are available from the council's website at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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