CHAIRS and aspiring chairs of school governing bodies from across Hampshire are celebrating success.

More than 40 chairs and aspiring chairs have celebrated completion of the National College of Teaching and Leadership Development Programme for school governors.

Specifically aimed at chairs and aspiring chairs across Hampshire, the programme aims to develop governors’ leadership skills so that they are able to lead a governing body effectively, as well as support and challenge schools in order to ensure they perform to the highest standards possible.

Councillor Peter Edgar, the County Council’s executive member for education, hosted a ‘graduation’ event and congratulated the governors on their success.

He said: “Education is going through major changes and through this initiative, we are supporting governors to take on the challenges brought about by change to enable them to ensure their schools are providing the highest standard of education for Hampshire’s young people.

“This programme aims to support governing body chairmen with the demands of their role. We recognise that they are volunteers, giving their time selflessly and freely and we are immensely grateful for the valuable contribution that they make.

“For our part, it is critical that we support them in this essential role. We have been delighted with the number of governors in Hampshire undertaking this programme and impressed by their dedication in successfully completing the course. On behalf of the County Council I would like to congratulate and thank them.”

If you are interested in finding out more about being a governor visit www.hants.gov.uk/governors or phone 01962 845706.