Urgent need for more Methodist school Governors

The need for more people to become school governors has been highlighted by Lord Boateng and the President of the Methodist Conference during a visit to Holly Hill Church School in Frankley, Birmingham.

The former Labour cabinet minister and active Methodist lay preacher Lord Boateng visited Holly Hill alongside the Methodist President, the Revd Helen Cameron. Holly Hill is a faith school and part of the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust.

Lord Boateng has expressed his concerns in the past that we need to ensure school governors, especially those of faith schools, reflect the best values of society and, where relevant, our Christian faith.

Methodist state schools are thriving, delivering education based on the core principles of Methodism and providing a deep and secure ethos for children and communities to grow and flourish. But Methodist foundation governors for schools are becoming harder to find. Often serving in disadvantaged and socially challenging areas, head teachers and teams of governors drive the work of the school through their theologically rooted vision.

“Methodism, following the example of John Wesley, has a long and proud tradition of putting education at the heart of its service to the community,” commented Lord Boateng during the visit. “Too few of us, however, are coming forward to serve as school governors.

“My days as a school governor in South London over 50 years ago were some of the most rewarding in my life. I strongly recommend service in this form to those seeking to get involved in their local communities in a practical and useful way.

“At whatever age, each of us has something to give as a champion of child-centred value-based education. The complex needs of children today and the challenges faced by schools are a rallying cry, not just to Methodists but to all people of faith and good will to come forward, as they have in this excellent example of values-based education in Birmingham, to maximise opportunity for all our young people.”

However, few of those who volunteer as school governors are from a Methodist background.

Prospective governors with businesses experience are especially welcome but so are those whose faith is calling them. The Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference said, “The Methodist Church has a long tradition of educating young people. Many parents still appreciate the unique approach to education that faith schools can offer, grounded in biblical teaching and values. Having people of faith as governors of these schools is one way that we can maintain their unique personality.”

During their visit, Lord Boateng and Revd Cameron joined the children and teachers at their morning hymn practice where Helen shared a blessing with the children before a tour of the school and a meeting with some of the school’s Governors.

Mark Carr is Head Teacher at Holly Hill. “I work closely with my governors to ensure that our school lives out our vision of ‘Life in all its fullness’. The governors are a source of support with their wealth of knowledge and they really add value to what my school can offer our children and families. Governors at my school provide a guiding hand, whilst holding me accountable for my responsibilities. I also know that if it has been a tough day I have a friendly voice at the end of a telephone who is always happy to listen and provide guidance, counsel and emotional support.

“We are very honoured to have the opportunity to host a visit from the Methodist President and Lord Boateng. Holly Hill is a beacon for all the good that can be done in schools and we were excited to be able to share all that we have achieved.

“Being a proud faith school is at the heart of Holly Hill. It forms part of our identity and our Christian values teach our children how to be good citizens.”

Karen Handford, Chair of Governors at Holly Hill, commented, “The rewards of being a governor are many, having an active input to the success of the school being chief among them. There is a strong sense of belonging and being one step removed from the day to day challenges faced in school, this helps me perhaps acquire a different perspective which enables me to give support to leaders.”

Cajethan Camara, one of the governors, said, “I became a parent governor because I wanted to play an active role in supporting the education and well-being of all the children, not just my own. As a parent, I know how important it is that school is a place where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. I also wanted to give something back to the school community that has already given so much to my family.”

Another of the governors, Revd Cleopas Sibanda, commented, “I saw being a governor as a valuable way to offer support to my local community and make an impact on education to help shape the future of the school.”

Charlotte Taylor, Head of Service for the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust commented, “Our Methodist Governors, alongside our head teachers keep the light of our Methodist ethos shining brightly. They are dedicated and compassionate, ensuring our school communities thrive through excellent education and deep relational connections. I am so proud of the commitment of our governors in all of our 66 state schools by living out the vision of John Wesley, securing Methodist education for all for many years to come.”

Governors are responsible for overseeing the management of a school, its strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They work alongside a school’s senior leaders and teachers to provide the best possible education for children, often acting as critical friends to the head teacher and senior leaders.

To find out more about becoming a governor in your local Methodist school, please speak with your circuit superintendent or the MAST central team: [email protected]