Become a Co-opted Governor at Downs Junior School
Are you passionate about making a difference in your local community?
Downs Junior School, one of the largest and most vibrant junior schools in Brighton and Hove, is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Governing Body as Co-opted Governors.
The Role of a Governor
Governors play a vital strategic role in shaping the direction and vision of the school. As part of a cohesive and effective team, you will support school leadership, hold the school to account, and help ensure the best outcomes for our pupils.
We welcome expressions of interest from across the community, and are committed to reflecting the social and cultural diversity of our pupils in our Governing Body. You don’t need to be an education expert—just someone who is passionate about supporting our school and making a positive impact.
What We Offer
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A warm welcome into a supportive team
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A full induction and access to high-quality training (online and in-person)
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Opportunities to work alongside experienced governors
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The chance to take on responsibility for areas of the School Improvement Plan
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Flexibility to contribute during and outside school hours
We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with the time and flexibility to occasionally visit the school during the day and who are eager to contribute actively.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please complete and return the application by 31st July 2025.
You will then be invited for an informal conversation with a governor and the Head Teacher or Deputy to learn more about the role and ask any questions.
📧 Email: teresadee@downsjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk
📮 Post: Clerk to Governors, Downs Junior School, Rugby Road, Brighton BN1 6ED
Please note: All appointed governors are subject to an enhanced DBS check in line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Governors at Downs Junior School
Governors work with senior leaders in the strategic development of the school and in raising standards of achievement. Duties include setting the school’s vision, aims and objectives, approving the school budget and appointing the headteacher.
Governors both support and challenge the headteacher, so need to gain and understanding of the school’s overall performance in order to explain its decision and actions. They do this by attending regular meetings carrying out school monitoring visits and meeting with senior leaders. They also attend training in order to keep up to date with the requirements of their role. Governors work as a team and make collective decisions.
Contact the Governors governors@downsjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk
More about the role of governors in a short video https://youtu.be/mRqJ_bFipHk
Current Governors
The Co-opted Governors appointed by the Governing Body are:
Roz Buchan, Rebecca Elton, Caroline Mann, Gavin Nettleton, Hesione Quinn, Richard Rudd , Andy Siantonas, Hedley Swain. There is one vacancy for a Co-opted Governor
The Local Authority Governor is Gareth Hughes.
The elected Parent Governors are:
Anna Bush there is a one vacancy for a Parent Governor, an election process is underway.
The one elected Staff Governor is Elly Savage.
The Headteacher Katie Blood is a Governor by virtue of her office.
To enquire about current vacancies contcat the cler on teresadee@downsjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk