Updated: Added contact details for GovernorLine.
The governors’ handbook provides information about the role and legal duties of governing bodies in maintained schools and academies (including free schools).
Section 1 and an overview of the contents of sections 2 to 8 can also be found via the table of contents in this document.
Section 1 of the handbook outlines the core role and functions of school governing bodies. All governors should read this section.
Sections 2 to 8 of the handbook summarise all of the specific legal duties on governing bodies, providing a first point of reference for those with a specific area of interest.
Further reading is signposted from within each section for those who would like more detailed information. Links are provided to relevant regulations, guidance and resources. A list of all the policies and documents that schools are required to have by law can be accessed from this page. Also available on this page is a list of changes that have, or will soon, reduce regulatory burdens on maintained school governors.
To assist readers, links are provided throughout the handbook to relevant legislation. It may, however, have been amended and the links will not always take you to a version that has been updated. Readers are advised to check whether the legislation has been updated by using the ‘changes to legislation’ facility on the website. Most types of secondary legislation on the website are not revised and are shown as originally made. Readers should always check to see whether regulations have been changed.
The handbook replaces the ‘Governors’ guide to the law’.
GovernorLine
GovernorLine offers free advice, information and support to anyone directly involved in the governance of maintained schools, academies and free schools in England.