Young people in Hackney invited to help oversee the borough’s schools
Young people aged 18-30 that live or work in Hackney are being invited to apply to become school governors, as part of an innovative programme encouraging more diversity in education.
The Hackney Young Governors programme was designed in partnership by Hackney Council and Hackney Young Futures Commission and was first introduced as a pilot in 2021.
Applications are open to people aged 18-30 with a strong connection to Hackney, for example if they:
- grew up in Hackney or are still living in Hackney;
- attended a Hackney school;
- work in Hackney;
- other (e.g. part of a Hackney community / volunteer group).
Those interested are invited to apply by filling in a short online form by 24 June.
As part of the programme, young governors will receive free specialist training, guidance and support. They will be paired with a fellow governor that will offer them mentoring, and they will be invited to networking events. They will gain experience working at a strategic level, developing their skills and holding leaders to account.
The Young Governors programme aims to get young people from diverse backgrounds and with different lived experiences involved in shaping Hackney’s education, bringing new perspectives and fresh ideas to the local schools.
A recent national survey found that young people continue to be underrepresented in school and trust governing boards, with only 9% of respondents under the age of 40 and only 1% aged between 18 and 29.
The Young Governors programme aims to ensure that those having a say in the leadership of Hackney schools better reflect the demographics of the borough.
What does it mean to be a school governor?
School governors play a key role in education, working together with school leaders, supporting and challenging them to help improve the lives of all children and young people, and to give them the best opportunities in life.
More than 300,000 people are school governors. They come from all kinds of backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and perspectives.
School governors have three main responsibilities:
- Helping schools have a clear vision and direction;
- Holding school leaders to account;
- Looking after the finances of the school and ensuring money is well spent.
Anyone over 18 can be a school governor, and there is no knowledge or experience required.
Why should I become a school governor?
You will be able to make a difference and shape the work of Hackney schools to help them become more inclusive. Drawing on your lived experience and governing through the lens of a child, you will be able to influence, support and contribute to decision making. You will help transform the lives of next generations for the better, and build an education system that works for every child.
More information about the programme can be found here.
How to apply
Are you interested in applying, or do you know someone who might be? Please submit your details by filling in a short online form by 24 June.
The first prospective young governors that apply will also be invited to attend the annual Hackney Governors’ Conference, on 27 June, with the theme ‘Striving for equity in our schools’.
I joined the programme in December 2021 and ultimately became Chair of the Board in September 2022, making me the youngest Chair of Governors in the UK. In sharing my story, my mission has been simple - to bring the global majority, young and women’s voices to spaces and tables, where they deserve to be.
Shekeila Scarlett, chair of governors at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form, who pioneered the Young Governors programme in Hackney
Participating in the Young Schools Governors Programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have gained invaluable insights into the complexities and nuances of the education system, and the diverse needs of students. This has also equipped me with the tools to advocate effectively for positive change within the system.
I have been fortunate to establish connections with a diverse range of professionals from various backgrounds and industries. I have observed the positive transformations within my institution and the arduous journey it has undertaken to reach its current state, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience to witness.
Thao Ngo, school governor, participant in the pilot programme
Joining the programme made us look at ourselves, in particular how we communicate and why. It showed us better ways we can interact with parents and a deeper understanding of how nurture, or the lack thereof, can affect a child's school experience.
I have enjoyed the energy and perspective of a younger voice on our board, challenging us to think differently and to adjust to change and a better understanding of a different, but equally important point of view.
Marisa Childs, Chair of Hackney Schools Group Board and member of Blossom Federation