Governance

The governing body

The governing body is made up of ten members, plus the Principal. We have one parent and one staff-elected governor, with the remainder appointed by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) or the academy LGB.

We have the full Local Governing Board (LGB), Curriculum & Standards (C&S), Finance & General Purposes (F&GP) and Enrichment (ES) committees. To contact the governors or their clerk, N Marshall, please email [email protected].

What are governing bodies for?

Governors are the largest volunteer force in the country and their overall purpose is to help schools and academies raise standards and provide the best possible education for their students.

The governing body does not manage Ormiston Horizon Academy but it does give direction and focus by providing strategic leadership.

What are the roles of the governing body?

  • To challenge and support the Principal.
  • To oversee the academy’s long-term vision, strategic aims, values and ethos.
  • To carry out statutory responsibilities, such as safeguarding.
  • To agree and monitor plans and policies.
  • To make creative use of available resources.
  • To monitor and evaluate performance.
  • To be involved in the appointment of the Principal.
  • To ensure proper financial management of the academy.
  • To communicate openly with parents, staff and the local community.

How does the governing body work?

The governing body works as a group, taking collective responsibility for all decisions. Governors work in close partnership with the Principal who, as the lead professional, advises and assists the governing body to carry out its functions.

The governing body includes people with a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds, all of whom have equal status and rights as governors. Governors are encouraged to broaden and develop their skills, knowledge and confidence through engaging in training opportunities.

The full governing body meets approximately three times each term to discuss key areas such as student performance, the curriculum, staffing, finance, premises and health and safety. It is important for governors to get to know the academy and its staff, which they do by regularly visiting and attending academy events and open days whenever possible.

Governors take on specific roles linking to aspects of the academy’s development plan with members of the senior leadership team and also to specific functions.

Becoming a parent governor

Becoming a parent governor can be very rewarding and offers the opportunity to make a real contribution to the life and work of our academy. Governors play a key role in the leadership of the academy and work together with the Principal, staff and other governors to ensure that our academy provides a challenging and supportive environment for its students.

Parent governor vacancies are advertised on our website and circulated to all parents of current students via our website.

Becoming an OAT governor

Becoming an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) governor is challenging, interesting and deeply rewarding and contributes to the well-being and prospects of pupils, academies and communities. OAT welcomes applications from people from all walks of life to gain a wide variety of skills and experience to support and develop the academy.

Governors’ policies and guidance

Most of our policies and guidance documents can be downloaded directly from our website. Please contact us if you would like a paper copy of any of our policies, or if you’re unable to find what you need.

Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) Scheme of Delegation

You can download the OAT Scheme of Delegation here.