Governing bodies have been given greater responsibilities

They supported the idea of compulsory basic induction training in the poll by Teachers' TV and The National Governors' Association (NGA).

More than a third (36%) - and even more parent governors - did not believe their governing bodies were as effective as they needed to be.

The survey was self-selecting and attracted some 450 responses.

But NGA chairwoman Judith Bennett said they overwhelmingly agreed with its campaign for induction training for governors to be mandatory in recognition of the significant responsibilities laid on them.

Responsibilities

Ms Bennett told BBC News ministers had tended to say this was impractical because governors were volunteers.

But so were magistrates or St John Ambulance personnel, and they took it for granted they would need training.

"If I fell down in the street I don't think I'd want someone coming up to give me first aid and saying, 'It's OK I'm with the St John Ambulance - I haven't had any training but I'll do my best'," she said.

"We carry immense responsibilities and we are given more and more and more and we have been over the years, and we are judged by Ofsted."

Increasing burden

Local authorities typically provide training for governors in their areas, with the costs charged to participating governing bodies.

But - in keeping with the voluntary nature of the role - attendance is not compulsory.

Some governing bodies have well-established induction procedures to familiarise new governors with what is expected of them during their four-year terms of office, but others do not.

Ms Bennett said that at her village school in Oxfordshire new members were given information about "not just governance but governance at our school".

Expectations of school governors are likely to rise even further if the government's current education bill becomes law, especially in schools which opt for the new trust status - giving them greater autonomy.

Teachers' TV is launching a special week for governors, in addition to its usual specialist programming for them.