Shape local education as a school governor in Ealing

Sarah Jenkins Author

2026-05-18 10:59 • 3 min read

Residents across Ealing are being invited to take a strategic role in local education by volunteering as school governors. Ealing Council is hosting a dedicated session to demystify the position and show how diverse skills can directly influence the development of children and young people across the borough.

Strategic oversight in local schools

School governors operate at a strategic level rather than managing the day-to-day operations of a school. Their primary responsibility involves supporting and challenging school leaders, setting long-term priorities, and ensuring that financial resources are used effectively to benefit pupils.

Stephanie Leane, a governor at Springhallow School in West Ealing, describes the role as being a “critical friend” to the school. Having a family member with autism motivated her to understand local provision and give back to the community. She notes that the role is about being disciplined and asking the right questions rather than just following rules, with a focus on seeing change happen over a longer period.

Impact-led volunteering for Ealing residents

Adam Nazar-Bhandari, who chairs the governing body at Perivale Primary School, highlights that curiosity is the most vital trait for a prospective governor. The role requires volunteers to question and analyse how school decisions affect pupil outcomes.

While the position is voluntary, the influence on a young person’s development provides a significant sense of personal reward. Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for a fairer start, emphasizes that fresh perspectives from the community help ensure every school offers the best possible start in life for Ealing’s youth.

Essential skills and commitment

Becoming a governor requires a commitment of time and a genuine passion for improving educational chances. No specific teaching background is required; instead, the council looks for individuals with a willingness to learn and a focus on fairness and community impact.

Register for the June information event

A free online information event will take place on Thursday, 11 June, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. This session provides an opportunity to hear from current governors, understand the training and support available, and ask questions about the application process.

Those interested in attending the session or learning more about the vacancies currently available in Ealing schools can register through the council’s official channels or email the school governance team directly.

Source: Ealing Council