The governing body at Dorothy Stringer School is made up of 16 people who work with the senior leadership to set the school’s vision and ethos, hold leaders to account, and ensure financial probity.
The role of the governing body
The governing body's duty is, above all, to drive relentless ambition for the young people served by the school community, whatever the circumstances.
The three core functions of the governing board as identified by the Department of Education are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
To do this effectively, governors must gain a thorough understanding of the school. We encourage governors to gain this understanding through training, visiting the school, attending meetings, and getting to know the whole school community.
Meetings
The governing body meets formally at full governing body (FGB) meetings, seven times a year.
Governors with specific skill sets, for example finance, join a group that meets in addition to FGB meetings. These groups meet to consider certain specialised areas in more detail. They report formally to the FGB with their recommendations.
