School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and deputy headteacher. It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and it is governors who work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources. 

Each individual governor is a member of a governing board, which is established in law as a corporate body. Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the governing board; decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing board.  

The role of the governing board is a strategic one; its key functions are to:

• Set the aims and objectives for the school
• Set the 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)

The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing board. New to governance? Read more about being a governor in Welcome to Governance.

How do I become a governor?

If you think you have what it takes to be a school governor there are a number of ways of finding schools that have vacancies:

• You can contact Arundel Court Primary Academy on 02392 824 893 or email us at arundeli@arundelcourt.com to ask if we need a new governor at our school
• You can contact your local council e.g Portsmouth City Council
• You can use the Inspiring Governance website
• Visit the UNICAT 'Become a Local Governor' page.

Ruth began her teaching career in Japan, teaching English for over four years in a variety of schools. She loved the teaching so much that she returned to England to train and teach in primary schools.  She has been a headteacher for the past nine years, working in a range of schools.  Her core belief is that all children deserve a good education and she strives to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible to everyone.  When she's not working, Ruth can be found training outside with POF, reading or out on her paddle board. 

Colin has been employed in education for most of his working life, initially as a teacher in further and higher education, before progressing to a range of management roles, culminating in Assistant Principal at Chichester College.

Part of his experience has been gained in universities in Germany and South Korea, and as a part-time OFSTED inspector in the post-16 College sector.

He is delighted to serve as a governor at Arundel Court, and to support the creation and maintenance of a safe, secure and motivating learning environment which enables all children to thrive.

Although his playing days are over, he still enjoys watching sport, particularly football, rugby and cricket. He is an avid reader and enjoys cinema and theatre.

Susannah has worked in education since she left university. She taught in primary schools in Birmingham and Northampton before moving into university lecturing where her job is mostly involved with training teachers. She worked at Birmingham University for many years then moved to Chichester University.  She now lives in Southsea with her partner and daughter, and she also has a grown up son who lives and works in London. Susannah loves living in Southsea and since moving here she has developed a love of the Southsea Park Run, sea-swimming and kayaking, all of which she does with much enthusiasm and very little skill. She is also an enthusiastic member of Rock Choir who mostly perform at local charitable events. 

Brian came to Portsmouth 21 years ago to obtain a degree at the university. He fell in love with the city, its people and its history so he decided to settle here permanently. He has been a teacher in Portsmouth for 15 years with 8 of them being at Arundel Court.

In his younger days, Brian played rugby to a national standard and actually played many times against the legendary Jonny Wilkinson – Brian was often on the losing side! He was also a member of a successful band that performed gigs alongside some very famous recording artists.

Outside of school Brian regularly plays bass guitar and drums, he is a passionate armchair viewer of all sports, especially cricket and he is completely obsessed with                                                 Lego.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Hayley was born in Bristol and spent most of her childhood in Wales. She moved to Portsmouth when she was 18 years old to go to university. She has been associated with Arundel Court for 10 years as a parent. She joined the staffing team as a Teaching Assistant four years ago. She is passionate about the school and feels she can provide a good insight into classroom practise and be able to confidently offer her views and opinions and those of other parents to help lead the school forward. 

Professor Karen Heard-Lauréote is an Independent Consultant in the Enhancement of Educational Practices running her own consultancy practice KHL Consulting Ltd. She is a recognised expert in teaching and supporting learning in Higher Education (HE) (PFHEA) and has been recognised as making an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in HE (National Teaching Fellowship - NTF). Karen is widely published with over 20 years of experience working both in UK HE and in partnership with international universities. During the latter period, Karen has held roles at the executive leadership level within universities (Head of Learning and Teaching and Vice Provost Education) focusing especially on organisational and cultural change projects. Karen's particular interests now lie in fostering collaboration, connection and networks amongst both staff and student communities through the power of peer networks and she can regularly be found blogging on these themes.

Link here