Different numbers of each type of governor are required for the different types of schools. The composition of a governing body should contain a wide range of people from the community. So that everyone who has an interest in the life of the school has a representative. Although governors are either elected or appointed in different ways and from different stakeholder groups, they are all equal on the governing body.

Community governors

Community governors are invited to join the governing body by the other governors of the school. Anyone employed at the school, pupils and elected members of the Local Authority (councillors) cannot be community governors. Only Community Schools and Voluntary Controlled Schools have community governors. In appointing community governors, governing bodies need to make sure there is adequate representation from the local community.

Staff governors

Staff governors are elected by all the members of staff at the school and are representatives for that group. The first staff position is reserved for the head teacher if they wish to be a governor. The second position should be filled by a member of the teaching staff unless there is no member is willing to stand, then it can be filled by a member of the support staff. A third position is for a member of the support staff unless there is no one willing to stand, then a member of the teaching staff can fill it. Staff governors should take into account the views of those who elected them but make up their own minds when voting on a specific issue.

Local authority (LA) governors

LA governors are appointed by the local authority that maintains the school. Governorships are allocated to the political parties to reflect the local political balance of the council.

Foundation governors

Foundation governors are normally appointed by either the Diocese or local Parish Church Council. A percentage of foundation governors must be eligible to be appointed as a parent governor at the school.

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