The Governing Body is composed of 16 governors made up of representatives appointed by the Local Authority, parents, staff members and the local community as listed below:

8 Co-opted governors
1 Local Authority Governor
5 Parent Governors
2 Staff Governors (including the Headteacher)

The term of office for governors of all categories is four years (with the exception of the Headteacher).

The Governing Body meets at least once a term. In order to function effectively and efficiently a substantial part of its work is delegated to three committees. These are

• Students’ Personal Development Committee
• Finance and Resources
• Curriculum

CURRICULUM	FINANCE AND RESOURCES	STUDENTS’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
John Costello (Chair)	Norman Rosindale (Chair)	Roger Burgess (Chair)
Jonathan Wilton	Jonathan Wilton	Jonathan Wilton
Kate Johnson	Joanna Filkins	Vicky Helme
Neil Scruton	Roger Burgess	Lee Thorne
Lynne Hainsworth	Johanna Ellison	John Costello
Norman Rosindale	Michael Hankey	Norman Rosindale
Laura Eccles	Iain Mackay	Neil Scruton
Roger Burges	Katherine Ashworth	Laura Eccles
	Mobeen Kashif

Each committee meets at least once a term and governors are required to work as members of one of the committees. In addition there are a number of committees that only meet when the need arises.

The Governing Body works very closely with the Headteacher in a positive and highly effective partnership. The Headteacher is the professional leader and chief executive of the school. They are responsible for the organisation, direction and management of the school, the leadership of staff and for all the activities, academic or otherwise, of the school.

The Governing Body at The Elton High School has a vital role to play in making sure that each of its students receives the best possible education. For maintained schools this is reflected in the law, which states that the purpose of   their governing bodies is to ‘conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school’. Section 21[2] of the Education Act 2002.

In particular the Governing Body:

• sets the school’s vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies, and making creative use of resources ;
• monitors and evaluates performance, acting as a critical friend to the Headteacher to support and challenge them in managing the school;
• ensures that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, the local authority, as well as to the staff it employs;
• oversees the financial performance of the school and makes sure its money is well spent.
• monitoring and evaluating the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives.

The Governing Body also carries out a number of other important duties, which include:

• appointing and dismissing of staff;
• hearing appeals and grievances;
• setting standards for pupils’ behaviour and discipline;
• making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe;
• setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies

Being a governor means giving time, energy and commitment. The role of a school governor is a voluntary position that is much valued within the education system. It is a position of importance and trust.