Governance Arrangements

• introduction |
• duties |
• composition |
• terms for governors |
• governors sub-committees |
• frequency of meetings |
• invitations to attend meetings |
• carrying out duties |
• practice and review

3. THE SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BODY

Our Articles (of 1954) state "Unless and until the Company in General Meeting shall otherwise determine, the number of Governors shall be not less than three nor more than twelve, of whom two at least shall be actively engaged in educational work."

The Governors believe that the comparatively small size of the Governing Body ensures that it works effectively and efficiently. It does, however, depend upon Governors committing themselves fully to its activities and attending meetings regularly. The ideal size of the School's Governing Body is believed to be between 8 and 10 Governors.

The Governors should be a group of people who:

• have a disinterested commitment to the School, being unpaid and, in the main, without children who are currently pupils
• represent a range of skills and experiences, developed in different walks of life, enabling them to contribute ideas, to make judgments and to see the School's work in a wider context
• take a close interest in the School but are able when necessary to take an objective and long term view.
• understand and appreciate the ideals of the School

To maximise the experience and diversity in the School's governance, governors should ideally include both men and women, ethnic minorities and a range of ages. They should include at least one governor who has current, or relatively recent, experience of headship, a former member of staff, a current parent nominated by the Parents Circle, another who has good connections with the local community, another who has business/financial experience and one who has knowledge of health and social matters.