What do Governors do?
School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and deputy headteacher. It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and it is governors who work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources.
Take a look at the NGA Role description, What do governors do?
Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the governing board; decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing board.
The role of the governing board is a strategic one, its key functions are to:
- set the aims and objectives for the school
- set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)
The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) I want to make a complaint to the governors
A) We are sorry that you need to make a complaint, please contact the school in the first instance. Please read our Complaint Policy for further information. Governors do not usually get involved with complaints until the school has had opportunity to respond.
Q) I want to make a suggestion/compliment or comment
A) Please write to the school c/o the Clerk to the Governors.
Q) I want to ‘whistleblow’
A) Please see the schools whistle blowing policy for information about what to do. Policy
Q) I have a safeguarding concern (I feel a child is at risk)
A) Please contact the school urgently and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding lead. If you have urgent concerns you could also contact:
The police
NSPCC
Kent County Council
OFSTED
To Contact the Governors
Please write to:
Chair of Governors c/o The Clerk
Hartsdown Academy
George V Ave
Margate
CT9 5RE