The Governing Body of the school is composed of twenty, the maximum number under the Regulations, individuals representing the major stakeholders in the school. There are four governors appointed by the Local Authority, seven governors (the largest group) elected by the parents, five governors, elected by the other governors, from the community, one teacher governor and two staff governors, elected by the staff, and finally the headteacher. Apart form the headteacher, all governors serve for a period of four years. Governors can be re-elected to continue for further service thus giving a degree of continuity to the activities of the Governing body. The Governing Body elects a Chairman and a vice Chairman from its membership. They have extra duties over and above those of other governors.
The Governing Body is responsible for agreeing the strategic direction of the school and the policies within which the school will operate. They also have the responsibility of agreeing the school budget and then the monitoring of the financial performance against that budget. Governors are there to help and support the school. They provide advice but can also act as watchdogs in their role as ‘critical friends’. Governors are involved in the recruitment and appointment of the staff of the school and also in the performance management of the head.
