Governor (based at Joseph Norton Academy, Busker Lane, Scissett, Huddersfield, HD8 9JU) at Wellspring Academy Trust

52 Days Remaining

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/WAT/07270

Location

Digital Media Centre, County Way, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2JW

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Contract Term

Not Applicable

Salary

Volunteer, expenses only

Closing Date

Midnight, Tue 30th Jun, 2026

Positions Available

Positions Available 2

About this Role

Shape the Future: Become a School Governor

Are you interested in improving children’s education and giving back to your local community? This voluntary role is a critical function within education, now more than ever. If you are over 18 and have a little spare time, you could become a School Governor.

LOCATION:

This role will show a location of Digital Media Centre Barnsley, as that is where our central team are based, but this role will be based at Joseph Norton Academy, Busker Lane, Scissett, Huddersfield, HD8 9JU

What Does a Governor Do?

The Governing Body works together as a collective to:

Set the strategic vision and values for the school
Hold the Principal to account for educational standards and staffing performance
Oversee the school’s financial health, ensuring good value for public money; and
Engage with the local community and stakeholders to build support.

What Is The Commitment?

The Joseph Norton Academy Governing Body meets five times a year for approximately two hours per meeting, usually on Wednesdays starting at 4:30pm. Meetings are held at our school site, with the flexibility to join online also. You will need to set aside some time to review documents beforehand, and you will be invited to take part in strategic monitoring visits and school events throughout the year.

What Skills and Qualities are we looking for?

We are seeking individuals who

Embody strong ethics and values.
Are passionate about innovative approaches to education.
Believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.

No prior experience in education is necessary; we value diverse perspectives and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

How Being A Governor Will Benefit You

Being a Governor provides a unique opportunity to make a positive social impact while aiding your own personal and professional development:

Leadership: Development of strategic leadership skills.
Networking: Expansion of professional networks.
Skills: Building of governance, compliance, and financial acumen.
Growth: Personal growth and building of confidence.

About Our School

Joseph Norton Academy is an SEMH Special School for students in Key Stages 2-4. We are entering an exciting period in our development as the school is being rebuilt in a new location; extending the provision to include Key Stage 1 & 5 and doubling the number of students we support.

Do you want to be part of this exciting journey to deliver excellent SEMH provision to the young people of Kirklees?

Our Vision: A widely recognised nurture school with an unrelenting focus on safety, enjoyment and pupil progress

Our Mission: Working together with pupils, families and professionals, we are determined to shape pupils who are:

Confident individuals – who lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Successful learners – who enjoy school, make great progress and achieve relevant qualifications.
Responsible citizens – who are ready and able to make a productive contribution to society.

Our values: We value respect, perseverance, cooperation and responsibility. These values are reflected in our Ways of Working.

Details of the school visions can be found on the website: https://www.josephnorton.co.uk/

Further Information:

If you would like an informal discussion about this vacancy, please contact our Governance Officer, Megan Cotney, at m.cotney@wellspringacademies.org.uk

If you would like to apply for this post, please complete our application form which can be found on this link: https://forms.gle/9gSqdfdsMoLfkSTh9

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-appointment checks, including section 128 checks, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you require any support with completing your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.

Related documents:

Governor Role and Person Specification, July 2025

Wellspring: Make a Difference to our Schools