Importance of Foundation Governors
A strong, well-led governing body, supportive of the school, its
teachers and its mission makes an important contribution to the
school's wellbeing and effectiveness. The foundation governors will
have an especial care for the school's Christian character.
Who are they?
Foundation governors
in Church schools are those appointed by the Church authorities.
Often in Anglican schools the incumbent of the parish will be a
member of the governing body, by virtue of his/her office - this is
called an ex officio governor. Other foundation
governors will mostly be active lay people.
Some of the foundation governors must be parents of pupils at
the school at the time they are nominated, and the Instrument of
Government should be clear on who is responsible for ensuring that
the nominees are parents. In Aided schools, there will always be a
majority of foundation governors - they must outnumber all the
other governors together by two.
Who nominates?
The Instrument of Government will say which church organisation
has the responsibility for nominating foundation governors. It is
common for there to be a mixture of nominating bodies - the local
Parochial Church Council (PCC), the Diocesan Board of Education,
the Deanery and sometimes the Bishop.
See Being a Governor