School Governor 

6 Full Governing Board meetings per year.
4–5 Committee meetings per year.
2–3 Governor visits per year.

Furze Platt is a highly successful mixed comprehensive school serving the children of Maidenhead. At Furze Platt, over 1500 students of all abilities develop the skills and qualities to enable them to excel in the future. We are a highly ambitious, high-achieving and fully inclusive school in which our students are challenged and supported to achieve excellence. 

Have you considered becoming a Governor at Furze Platt Senior School?

Being a school governor is a real opportunity to use your experience, work with a great team and to learn new skills while supporting and driving the School’s success. 

Our main requirements are enthusiasm and a keen interest in shaping the future for the students at Furze Platt. New Governors are well supported and attend a series of short induction sessions. There is provision to refund any expenses incurred and employers must allow time off for attending meetings (but not necessarily paid leave). 

At Furze Platt, the governor commitment is to give time to read paperwork online, attend six Full Governing Board meetings per year (Thursdays at 5.15pm) and be a member of one of our three committees — Resources; Quality of Education; Pupils and Parents — which meet 4–5 times per year, usually on a Monday at 5.15pm. 

Further information can be found in the Governor section of Furze Platt School website www.furzeplatt.com. 

Effective governors: 

• Are willing to ask questions and challenge the school where necessary. Headteachers and leadership teams welcome challenge if the effect is to improve outcomes for their pupils; 
• Are eager to be part of a team with a common purpose and understand the importance of valuing different viewpoints and perspectives; 
• Understand the value of life-long learning and show this by undertaking relevant training and development; 
• Care about children and young people; 
• Want children and young people to enjoy their years at school and achieve the best that they can; 
• Are willing to accept responsibility; and 
• Are keen to put something back into their community. 

The Department for Education’s Academy Trust Governance Guide states that the Governing Board needs people with the right skills, expertise, behaviours and capacity who collectively: 

• Understand the purpose and importance of academy trust governance and the role of strategic leadership. 
• Are committed to, understand and have time for the role. 
• Are appointed through a transparent process against a clear role specification. 
• Meet eligibility criteria and pre-appointment checks. 

Governors/Trustees will have the necessary skills to fulfil the board’s functions effectively.
They will have the ability to: 

• Bring a diverse range of perspectives for robust decision-making. 
• Understand the educational setting and the cultural and religious contexts of the trust and the communities it serves. 
• Analyse trust performance data. 
• Use financial knowledge to hold the executive board to account and drive financial efficiency. 
• Challenge each other effectively and work effectively in committees. 
• Performance manage the senior executive leader. 
• Use active succession planning to ensure the board and the trust have the leadership and people it needs to remain effective. 

If you would like to be considered for this role please email Jenny Knight, Governance Manager, jenny.knight@furzeplatt.net to find out more. 

Furze Platt Senior School
Furze Platt Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7NQ
Tel: 01628 625308
www.furzeplatt.com 

Furze Platt Senior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Posts are subject to an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.