Schools and learning

What does a governing body do?

Every school has a governing body. It comprises:

• parents elected by other parents at the school
• teachers elected by their colleagues
• people appointed by the County Council (LEA governors,)
• and usually, the headteacher.

They may also include representatives from the support staff, a church, charitable trust or business interests. Special schools may have a representative of a health authority or voluntary organisation.

Responsibilities

Governing bodies are responsible to parents, the community and the County Council. The size of governing bodies varies from school to school, but ranges from 9 to 20 governors. Appointments are for up to four years.

A governing body is not a supporters’ club. Governors are responsible for how the school is performing. Following up inspection reports is an important job. Governors should try to be ahead of the game – identifying problems and tackling them in advance.

The governing body's main duty is to help raise standards of achievement. It:

• plans the school’s future direction
• is accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community
• selects the headteacher
• makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing
• makes sure the National Curriculum and Religious Education are taught
• decides how the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• makes sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs.

The governing body usually meets at least once a term. Most governors also sit on one or two committees dealing with

• finance
• staffing
• curriculum
• premises

“The governing body is the vital organ for improving a school – and forging links with the wider community.”

Gurbakhsh Garcha, LEA governor

“A good governing body reflecting the local area can help raise the standards. It’s all about teamwork.”

Kevin Aitchinson, parent governor