Summary

Guidance on the strategic leadership and governance of local-authority-maintained schools.

This non-statutory guidance replaces the governance handbook 2019. It is intended to be a digital guide. If you have created a PDF or printed copy, make sure it is up to date by comparing it with this online version. Use the ‘See all updates’ function to view the latest updates.

This is a reference document for those involved in local-authority-maintained school governance. It brings together essential information from a range of sources on the governing body’s roles and legal responsibilities.

Who should use this manual

This guidance is for:

  • governors, senior leaders, governance professionals (clerks) and associate members  
  • local-authority-maintained schools including maintained special schools and maintained nursery schools, foundation and voluntary schools 
  • foundations and others such as diocesan authorities with an interest in the governance of schools 
  • organisations supporting boards to develop effective governance

It does not apply directly to pupil referral units, sixth-form colleges and general further education colleges, though they may find its principles helpful.

Resources for governing bodies

Practical resources for governing bodies are available from sector organisations, including:

Contents

  • Using this guidance

    What you need to know about legal requirements and resources from third parties.

  • Definitions

    Explanations of the terms used in this guidance.

  • 1. Effective governance

    An overview of the features of effective governance.

  • 2. Strategic leadership

    An overview of strategic leadership for maintained schools.

  • 3. Accountability

    Holding school leaders to account for the school’s educational and financial performance and ensuring money is well spent.

  • 4. People

    Information on governance roles, appointments, support and staff well-being.

  • 5. Governance structures

    An overview of governance structures and how governing bodies must be constituted.

  • 6. Evaluation

    How regular evaluation can be carried out on the effectiveness of governance and the school's performance.

  • 7. Compliance

    Guidance for governing bodies on how to meet its legal and regulatory responsibilities with regards to compliance.

  • Statutory policies for maintained schools

    Information for governing bodies and governance professionals (clerks) on the policies and documents they must have.