A GWENT high school that has been in special measures for four-and-a-half years is appealing for people in the community to come on board to help run it.

Cwmbran High School was placed in special measures in December 2018 following an inspection by Estyn, and in 2019 the school's governing body was replaced by an interim executive board.

Now the school has started to bring together a new, full governing body and already has local authority representatives, staff (teaching and non-teaching staff) and parents on its new shadow board.

Chairwoman of the shadow governing body Jan English spoke to Cwmbran Life about the five vacancies for community governors that it needs.

She said it could be a chance for organisations and businesses to support their corporate social responsibility aims by allowing professional staff to volunteer as a governor.

South Wales Argus: Jan English, chairwoman of Cwmbran High School's shadow governing body. Picture: Cwmbran LifeJan English, chairwoman of Cwmbran High School's shadow governing body. Picture: Cwmbran Life (Image: Cwmbran Life)

Ms English said: "We are raising the profile of governance and doing a professional approach to recruitment. We need strong leadership, not just from the staff in the school, but the governors. It's pushing the boundaries.

"We've done a skills audit of the current shadow governing body to see what we need.

"We want them to do the absolute best for the school. That's what drives this. How do you ensure those young people get the best deal? For me, that's the best governing body with high-quality candidates to support us and help us steer our way. It's important people understand the challenges.

"There is a full governing body every half term. Then we have sub-committees. You don't have to sign up for them all, it could be one or three depending on how much time you have. There are also statutory committees that deal with things that come up like policy and process, disciplinaries and pay.

"It's so rewarding and interesting to see the school from a different angle. You don't realise that the governors are part of the great cog that makes the other things happen in a school."

South Wales Argus: Cwmbran High School. Picture: Cwmbran LifeCwmbran High School. Picture: Cwmbran Life (Image: Cwmbran Life)

She said Estyn approved the school's move to bring together a new governing body.

They are looking for people with skills in:

  • Public relations/marketing;
  • Education Law/legal services;
  • Procurement;
  • Environmental issues;
  • Health services.

The governors also want to hear from people who have links to other education bodies.

To find out more Ms English via englishj22@hwbcymru.net