What is the role of the Governing Body?

The governing body is responsible in law for the school, but it has a strategic role and doesn’t get involved in operational matters like teaching or timetabling – these are the responsibility of the headteacher. The governing body holds the headteacher to account for his decisions.

All governing bodies have three main functions:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

2. Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff

3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

The governing body holds the headteacher to account by monitoring and asking the right questions. This often includes visiting the school to look at specific areas, like safeguarding or SEND.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the Governing Body accountable to?
• The Governing Body is accountable by law to Ofsted, the local community and the local authority.
• Do Governors get paid
  No. All governors are volunteers.
• How do I become a Governor?
  When there’s a vacancy for a parent governor all parents will be informed and you’ll have the chance to stand for election. Parents can also be appointed as other categories of governor (for example, co-opted).
• Can I approach the Governors with concerns?
  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Concerns and complaints should go to the school before coming to the Governing Body.
• How do I contact the Governing Body?
  Parents/carers and staff are welcome to contact the Governing Body directly. Letters to the Governing Body should be addressed to the Chair and delivered to the school office. Alternatively, please email admin@southborough.bromley.sch.uk and address your correspondence for the attention of the Governing Body.

SOUTHBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL BOARD 2025

CHAIR: Sally Palmer Ralph

National Governors’ Association The National Governors’ Association is the national membership organisation for state-funded school governors and trustees in England.