The three main functions of the governing body are:

• To provide a strategic overview by the setting aims and objectives for the school and by adopting policies and setting targets for achieving those aims and objectives,
• To monitor and evaluate the school’s progress towards achieving its aims and to act as a “critical friend” to the Headteacher by supporting and challenging them in managing the school,
• To ensure accountability to the pupils, the parents, the local community, the local authority and the staff with the aim of raising standards and improving the outcomes for the pupils at the school.

The governors are not responsible for the day-to-day management of the school; this is the Headteacher’s role. The Headteacher and senior teachers are also responsible for the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body, the implementation of the school’s policies and the internal organisation of the school.

The Headteacher provides regular strategic information and advice to the governors to enable them to fulfil their functions and reports to the governing body on the school’s progress.