ELECTION OF COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS AT OUR SCHOOL
Membership Update - Vacancies
We are excited to announce the opportunity for several new parents to join our Community Council team. Mrs Catherine Smith the current Vice-Chair is stepping down after 7 years as Community Councillor/Governor and we also we have vacancy for up to two more councillors as parent voice is so vital to our school. I’d like to sincerely thank Mrs Smith for her steadfast and excellent commitment to the school during her time with us and we wish her all the best for the future.
What is a Community Council?
In summary, a Community Council (similar to old style ‘Governors’) it is a group of up to 9 volunteers, made up of parents, staff and community representatives, who meet 4 times a year to focus on things that are unique to our school, such as the context of the local community and how the school’s curriculum can best meet the needs of our pupils.
Community Councillors don’t get involved with the day to day running of the school, instead they provide a different perspective to support the school’s leadership team to deliver an excellent education for our children. They champion the work the school does.
What skills / experience do I need for the role?
No special qualifications are needed for the role and training is available for members, including a full induction. We are, however, looking for parents / carers who have:
A strong commitment to maximising the potential of all our pupils;
Good interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills’ and
Are fully committed to the continuing success of Netherbrook.
Parent community councillors play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the community council, but are not there to speak ‘on behalf’ of the parent body.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the role, please first check that you are eligible to stand by reading the eligibility criteria.
Parents / carers must then complete and submit an application form by 5.00pm on Friday 28th November 2025.
The application form is available for download at the bottom of the page and must be submitted by email to Mrs. Marcia Leigh, School Business Manager (mleigh@netherbrook.dudley.sch.uk) If you would prefer a paper copy of the application form please enquire at the school office. Completed paper application forms should be returned by the deadline above to the school office in an envelope marked for the attention of Marcia Leigh..
Further information about the role of the Community Council, the process for appointment and answers to frequently asked questions can be found below.
If you have any additional questions about the position, please contact Phil Rawlings (Headteacher) on Class Dojo and he will be happy to help you without obligation.
In the event that we receive more applications than vacancies, a ballot will be held. Further information about the ballot will be provided to parents if one is required.
Parent Councillor Eligibility to stand for election
Anyone who is the parent / carer of a registered pupil at the school and who is not disqualified from holding office (please see the Application Form for a full list of qualifications and disqualifications).
A person is disqualified from election or appointment as a parent representative of an academy if they are paid to work at the school for more than 500 hours in any consecutive twelve month period or, when he/she ceases to be a parent / carer of a registered pupil at the school.