April 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Become a Parent Governor – be an even bigger part of the Balcarras success story

As you will undoubtably be aware, Balcarras is a very successful school. But that’s not by chance – it’s down to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved – at all levels. Governors have a vital role to play in helping set the direction of the school and in evaluating the progress along the way.

At Balcarras, we are keen to involve parents in the governing body and we are delighted to be able to advertise three vacancies for parent governors.

Why should you do it?

Only you can answer that question, but we’d like you to be a governor if you are particularly interested in Balcarras and feel you could represent parents by contributing your skills and views – you’re not expected to consult with parents, it’s not that kind of role.

What does it involve?

The governing board has a vital role to play in making sure every child receives the best possible education. This is achieved by ensuring that governors have the necessary skills and commitment to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.  The particular skills that governing boards need will vary and will include personal qualities and capabilities, such as the capacity and willingness to learn and work as part of a team.  It is expected that governors will make use of the various training opportunities available to them and play a full part in the work of the governing board.

Balcarras is part of a Multi Academy Trust – The Balcarras Trust. The Trustees of the Balcarras Trust oversee all schools in the Trust but delegate day to day governance to the Local Governing Board. For full details about how the Trust operates, please see the Balcarras website or the Balcarras Trust website www.thebalcarrastrust.co.uk

There is lots of helpful information here: https://www.thebalcarrastrust.co.uk/page/?title=GOVERNANCE&pid=44 particularly about the structure of the Trust.

Are you suitable?

If you’re a parent (or have parental responsibility for) a Balcarras student – yes, you’re suitable. You don’t need to be an expert in any field of education, just to have a keen interest in being involved at Balcarras.

What skills do you need?

You can get an idea from the Governors section of our website. https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/page/?title=Governance&pid=20

You’ll see the kinds of lives some of our governors lead. Do you have compatible skills you could offer?

What about a friend?

Maybe you know someone else whom you think would make a good parent governor – please show them these documents and ask them if they’d be willing for you to nominate them – and ask them to complete the form on firefly (VLE). You could nominate them.

What’s the commitment – and renumeration?

You’ll need to attend as many of the relevant governor meetings as possible and to prepare for them by reading minutes of previous meetings and other relevant documents. The term of office lasts for four years, after which time you can stand for re-election if you wish. All governors (apart from the Headteacher) are volunteers. It is a requirement of governance for all governors to attend the safeguarding training. When you attend this or any other governor training, the school pays for this and for your travel expenses. All Governors will need to complete some mandatory training, full details will be given upon appointment.

DBS check

All governors must hold a DBS certificate. The governing board must apply for a DBS certificate within 21 days after the election or appointment.

Nominations

If you would like to stand for the role, or nominate another parent/guardian, please complete the nomination/election form electronically via firefly (VLE)

 

https://balcarras.fireflycloud.net/letters/parent-governor-vacancies---april-2026

 

and submit by:                             Friday 1st May 2026

Nominees should also be aware of Gloucestershire County Council Summary of Eligibility and Disqualification Regulations and that they are not disqualified from serving as a school governor. Full details can be found on the above firefly link.

The guidelines giving full details about how vacancies are filled are available for viewing, by request, at the school office. Please note that for the protection of children all governor appointments are subject to a vetting process and identity check.

Election

If there are more nominations than vacancies, an election will be held on Friday 22nd May 2026. You will be sent voting/ballot instructions via email and these may be returned via email. Paper ballot papers can be requested by contacting the school on 01242 515881 or by emailing ksa@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk – those that request paper ballot papers will not be eligible to vote by email.

The Chair of Governors, Peter Mitchener, will be available to speak to any prospective candidates to answer any questions you have about being a parent governor. Please let me know either by phoning the school or by email ksa@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk if you would like to arrange this.

Yours sincerely,

 

Karen Adkins
Clerk to the Governors