About the Governing Body

All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the headteacher, staff and the local authority. Whilst the headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.  The governors are also responsible for Safeguarding. 

From September 2023, St. James' changed the sub committees and made the decision for the full Governing Body to meet six times each year. This is in order for all members to be kept fully informed regarding developments in the curriculum,  school performance and ensure they updated about key information relating to finances and resources. 

The remit for the governing body is to:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• Monitor the educational performance of the school, its pupils and the performance management of staff.
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure money is well spent. 

Minutes from meetings and further information is available on request.