Purpose of Governor Self-Evaluation

Governor self-evaluation helps ensure the governing body is:

• Fulfilling its strategic role effectively
• Supporting and challenging school leadership
• Contributing to school improvement and learner outcomes

Key Features of Effective Governor Self-Evaluation

1. Regular and Structured

Self-evaluation should be a routine, termly process.

It should align with the school’s own self-evaluation and improvement cycle.

2. Evidence-Based

Use a range of evidence: meeting minutes, school performance data, stakeholder feedback, and training records.

Governors should observe school life (e.g. learning walks, pupil voice) to inform their understanding.

3. Reflective and Honest

Evaluate what’s working well and what needs to improve.

Include governor training impact, effectiveness of meetings, and how well governors understand the school’s priorities.

4. Linked to Improvement Planning

Findings should feed into a governor action plan with clear priorities, responsibilities, and timelines.

Align with the School Development Plan (SDP) and national priorities (e.g. ALN reform, curriculum for Wales).

5. Collaborative

Involve all governors, including parent and staff MER teams

Consider using external facilitators or peer reviews for objectivity.

Tools and Resources

• Estyn’s Thematic Reports and case studies 
• Welsh Government’s National Resource: Evaluation and Improvement
• Governor self-evaluation templates 

What to Evaluate

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Understanding of school data and performance
• Support and challenge to school leaders
• Engagement with stakeholders
• Training and development
• Meeting effectiveness and governance processes

Final Tip

Effective self-evaluation is not about proving performance—it’s about improving it. It should lead to clear actions that enhance governance and ultimately benefit learners.