Help shape the future of Willow Bank

We’re looking for new governors to join our Governing Body. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care about giving our children the best start.

Governors are a small team of volunteers who help steer the school. We ask the big questions, support and challenge the headteacher, and make sure every pound of the budget works hard for our pupils. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to make a real difference locally, and you’ll learn a lot along the way.

“I’ve been a governor at Willow Bank for three years, and at our neighbouring infant school for four years before that. I’ve found it tremendously rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing a decision you helped make turn into something real for the children, whether that’s a new opportunity, a better use of resources or simply a happier school. You don’t need to know it all on day one. You just need to care, ask good questions and be willing to learn. I’d love to welcome you to the team.”

Chris, Chair of Governors

We have two kinds of vacancies:

Parent Governor

Have a child at Willow Bank? Your voice matters.

Parent Governors make sure the parent perspective is heard when decisions are made. You’ll bring your everyday experience of the school into the room and help us see things the way families do.

Who can apply: any parent or guardian with parental responsibility for a child currently at Willow Bank.

Who can’t: elected councillors of the local authority, or anyone working at the school for more than 500 hours in a 12-month period at the time of appointment.

Co-opted Governor

No children at the school? You can still get involved.

Co-opted Governors are appointed by the Governing Body for the skills and experience they bring. If you live or work locally, are a grandparent, a former parent, or simply someone who believes in a great education, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in areas such as finance, HR, IT, health and safety, or safeguarding, but enthusiasm and commitment matter more than a CV.

What’s involved

• Six meetings a year: two per term, held in person at the school, starting at 6pm and lasting about 2 hours
• Training: free online training provided by the Orchard Learning Alliance, so you’ll never be thrown in at the deep end
• A four-year term, with the flexibility to step back if your circumstances change
• A friendly, supportive team who will help you settle in
• A DBS check: as with anyone in a role connected to children, all governors complete a DBS check. We’ll guide you through it and it costs you nothing.

What you’ll get out of it

• A genuine say in the direction of your local school
• A deeper understanding of how schools work
• New skills in strategy, finance and leadership that look great on any CV
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping every child at Willow Bank thrive

Still wondering if it’s for you?

Not sure if you would be a good fit, or just want to find out more about what’s really involved? We’d love to hear from you. Most of our governors had exactly the same questions before they joined.

Chris, our Chair, is happy to have an informal chat over the phone or a coffee. Ask anything you like, from how much time it really takes to what a typical meeting looks like. No obligation, no pressure, and no question too small.

To arrange a chat or to apply, email the school office at admin@willowbank-jun.wokingham.sch.uk with “Governor” in the subject line, and let us know which role interests you.