Roles and Structure
Role of the Governing Body
The Government's ambition is "that every school has a high performing governing body that understands its responsibilities and focuses on its core strategic functions; one that is made up of people with relevant skills and experience; and one which operates efficiently and effectively through appropriate structures and procedures".
Sale Grammar School's Governing Body is made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds representing different parts of the local community.
In the main our governors represent the following categories:-
• Parents
• Teaching & Support Staff
• The Community
Strategic functions of the Governing Body
The Government has set the Governing Bodies of all types of schools the following three core strategic functions:-
- Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
As an Academy school, Sale Grammar also has a number of additional functions and responsibilities:-
- Admissions of students
- Employer of staff
Our Structure of School Governance
- The Governing Body meets once every term
- Each of the Sub-Committees meet once per term before the Governing Body meeting
- Extraordinary meetings may be called depending on the nature of the business
The Role of the Parent Governor
The role of the parent governor is often misunderstood: The parent governor serves on the Governing Body to represent the views of "a parent" and not necessarily the views and opinions of the parent community. The parent governor brings a parental perspective to discussions and decisions. Parent governors are under no obligation to put forward the views and opinions of other parents. If parents wish to have their views represented or conveyed at a Governing Body meeting, they are advised to contact the chair.
The Constitution of the Governing Body
"There can never have been a more important time in our country's recent history to be involved in education, and we need skilled and motivated governors who are committed to transforming our schools." Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools.
In the words of Lord Nash, this is a time when we need committed individuals to join the Governing Body to help sustain and enhance Sale Grammar School as an Outstanding school for our present and future students.
You don't necessarily need a qualification to become a school governor but we need volunteers with some life experience. However, a good governor should:-
- Care about improving children's educational attainment
- Want to contribute to the local community
- Be able to work as part of a team and value the contribution made by different people
- Be willing to get the necessary training for the role
- Be willing and able to ask questions and offer healthy and constructive challenge
- Be open to ideas and willing to learn
As a governor you will:
- Be willing and able to prepare for meetings - with papers to read in advance
- Be able to attend meetings and depending on which sub committee(s) you decide to sit on, there will be a number of meetings per term
- Be available for meetings which will mainly be during the evenings but one or two may be scheduled during the day
- Be able to participate in informed discussions and decision making
Do you have the qualities to become a school governor? See the Governors for Schools website to find out more.