• Chair of Governors: Sarah Lawrence 

• Vice Chair of Governors: Catherine Burnside 

School governors play a vital role in education.  We are volunteers and we make a difference by shaping the future of children and young people. 

 

The role of the school governor and governing body

The Maintained schools: governance guide - GOV.UK provides non-statutory guidance on the strategic leadership and governance of local-authority-maintained schools.  With respect to effective governance it states: 

“The functions of the governing body 

The core functions of the governing body are as set out in The School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013, regulation 6(2) and include, but are not limited to ensuring: 

• that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined 

• that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school 

• the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources 

A governing body and its governors must, as required by Regulation 6(2): 

• act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in the best interests of the school 

• be open about the decisions they make and the actions they take and shall be prepared to explain their decisions and actions to interested parties 

The governing body also has legislative responsibility and strategic oversight for the school’s safeguarding arrangements. 

Features of effective governance 

An effective governing body needs strong strategic leadership. It sets the vision and strategic direction, monitors progress, manages risk and drives improvement. 

An effective governing body holds leaders to account for educational and financial performance by: 

• scrutinising data 

• providing challenge and support 

• ensuring value for money 

The body needs skilled people and robust structures. It appoints individuals with the right skills and experience with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This is to make sure: 

• oversight is effective 

• the body is separated from operational leadership 

An effective governing body regularly: 

• evaluates its own effectiveness 

• identifies development needs 

• uses training and external reviews to improve governance 

An effective governing body ensures the school meets all: 

• statutory requirements 

• financial requirements 

• safeguarding requirements 

• equality requirements 

• special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) requirements 

This includes requirements on effective use of resources and funding.”

 

Diversity Statement: The Governing Body has a range of ages, genders, beliefs, and backgrounds.  All Governors live in the locality and we consider ourselves to be representative of the rest of the school community. 

Newsletter: Governor news is included within the school newsletter, usually following Full Governing Body meetings and at any other appropriate points during the school year.