Role of the Governing Body

Governing bodies are responsible and accountable for all major decisions about the school and its future. Governors have a legal responsibility to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. They set the school's vision and strategic aims, monitor and evaluate performance acting as a critical friend to the headteacher and ensure the school is accountable to those it serves.

Within this our responsibilities include
• Setting strategic direction, objectives, targets and policies
• Reviewing progress against the budget, plans and targets
• Approving the school budget
• Acting as a critical friend to the head teacher by providing support and challenge
• Appointing the head teacher

As a Foundation School, Commonweal enjoys a degree of autonomy but it is imperative that the Governing Body strives to work in partnership with all stakeholders that includes pupils, parents, Swindon Borough Council, others schools, the local community and business

Membership
Governing bodies are made up of key stakeholders:
• Parents - parent governors are elected by other parents at the school
• Staff including the head teacher - staff i.e. teaching and other staff, governors are elected by the school staff
• The community - the governing body appoints community governors i.e. members of the community
• The LA - the LA appoints one or more local education authority (LEA) governors
• For some schools - the foundation or relevant religious body appoints foundation governors
• As and when appropriate associate governors can also be appointed.

Vacancies for all types of governors occur on a regular basis and are advertised on the school Website. Anyone who would like to put themselves forward are advised to contact either the Clerk to the Governing Body and/or Swindon Borough Council Governor Section.