SGOSS - Governors for Schools

About the vacancy: Penair School is seeking a committed volunteer to join their board of governors. School background: Located in Truro, Penair School has experienced significant improvements, including a rise in student numbers from 873 in 2017 to 1239 in 2025, and a recent OFSTED rating of 'Good'. The school expanded its facilities in 2022 and is planning to increase its Year 7 intake to 270 students. The leadership team is stable and includes both long-standing and new members, fostering innovative ideas. Role overview: As a school governor, you will be part of a team committed to enhancing educational experiences for students. This role involves attending meetings, which typically start at 5:30 pm and may vary, and working collaboratively with other board members. Experience in finance is desirable but not essential. Next steps: If interested, please complete the application form, including any specific school preferences. For questions, contact our Recruitment Team.

Furness Education Trust (FET) is a seven-school trust based in Barrow-in-Furness. The trust originally grew out of Furness Academy and now includes two secondary schools and five primary schools. All academies in the trust are rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding,' except for Walney School, which joined the trust in January 2025 with a 'Requires Improvement' judgement. Walney School was previously part of another multi-academy trust (MAT), and when that MAT closed, the Department for Education (DfE) asked FET to take over the school due to the trust's capacity to provide support. While Furness Academy is relatively large and oversubscribed, Walney School is smaller, with room to expand and accommodate more pupils. The trust is actively working to encourage increased pupil intake at Walney. As the two secondary schools are less than three miles apart, there is an opportunity to attract more students to Walney, particularly as it moves onto a firm trajectory of improvement. FET also supports small rural primary schools with fewer than 90 pupils and mixed-age classes. The trust firmly believes that these schools play a vital role in their communities and is committed to maintaining their quality and sustainability. Furness Education Trust benefits from the sponsorship and active support of BAE Systems, with several of its trustees holding senior roles within the organisation. The trust is also exploring innovative curriculum opportunities at Walney School, particularly in modern engineering and digital skills, to align with the region's workforce needs. Additionally, FET is fostering collaboration with George Hastwell School, a neighbouring special school, reinforcing its commitment to regional partnerships and inclusive education. Furness Education Trust is seeking two experienced educational professionals with expertise in primary and/or secondary education to join its board. Both appointees will serve on the Quality of Education & Standards Committee, with the expectation that one may take on the role of committee chair following the planned departure of the current chair. The trust is looking for individuals who can provide both support and challenge to ensure the highest standards across all its academies. Ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience across multiple schools, whether within a multi-academy trust, a local authority, or as part of a school improvement initiative. This may include executive leadership roles, school improvement expertise, or consultancy work with a proven track record of driving educational excellence. While familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, formal inspector training is not required. The trust's governance structure includes three committees, including the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. New trustees will be expected to attend all main trust board meetings, which take place four times a year (September, December, March, and July), as well as meetings of the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. Meetings are typically held in person at Furness Academy on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and last approximately two hours. While in-person attendance is preferred, the trust provides remote access when necessary. All new trustees will receive an induction programme supported by the governance professional and the trust's governance partner, Judicium. The induction programme includes an introductory visit and meeting, training on GovernorHub, essential reading such as role descriptors and the code of conduct, and an introduction to the National Governance Association training programme. Additionally, all new trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools' The First 100 Days as a Trustee e-learning module. This is an opportunity to contribute strategically to a well-regarded trust that is recognised by the DfE for its capacity and expertise. FET values collaboration and innovation, working closely with BAE Systems and local education providers to enhance curriculum provision and drive regional educational improvement. Trustees will play a key role in shaping the future of the trust, supporting school improvement efforts, and ensuring that all children receive the highest quality education. If you are an experienced educational leader looking for a meaningful way to give back to the education sector, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role. Address: Furness Academy, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BB Website: Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust Usual start time of meeting: 4 x Trust Board Meetings (Wednesday, 4.30pm-6.30pm)3 x Quality of Education and Standards Committee (Wednesday, 4.30pm-6.30pm) What does the role include? As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page FURNESS EDUCATION TRUST reference number is 15877The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.

Address: 18 Cotham Grove, Bristol, BS6 6AL Local authority: Bristol Website: Type of establishment: Single-academy trust Phase(s) of education: Primary Usual start time of meeting: 17:00 Ofsted Rating: Good What does the role include? As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page COTHAM GARDENS PRIMARY SCHOOL LTD reference number is 2749The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.

The Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies-most of which received 'Good' or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections-and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated 'Good' while the other two are judged as 'Requiring Improvement,' though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring. ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated 'Outstanding'. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire. ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support. Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies. Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO's senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes. The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools-Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies-have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor. Financially, ACET's 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET's compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance. ACET's Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome. Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required. In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members - an 'eyes-on, hands-off' role akin to that of the shareholder - and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress. Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise. Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise. New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours. ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report. ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET's values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust's mission. Address: ACET House, 66 Holderness Drive, S26 2BH Website: Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust Phase(s) of education: Primary & Secondary Usual start time of meeting: All Monday evenings at 5pm6 x Full Board Meetings What does the role include? As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page Aston Community Education Trust reference number is 2195The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.

As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.