Foundation Governors

Church schools have "Foundation Governors" as well as 'parent', 'staff' and other categories of Governor.

In a Voluntary Aided School (VA), the majority of the Governing Body will be Foundation Governors (some of whom should also be parents).

In a Voluntary Controlled School (VC), at least two and up to a quarter of the Governing Body will be Foundation Governors. The Diocese of Ely recommends a minimum of three Foundation Governors at a VC school.

Every school has its own 'Instrument of Government' which clearly sets out the number of governors to be appointed to each category, and in the case of Foundation Governors, which body or bodies appoint them. It is usually the Diocesan Board of Education and Training, local church PCCs and/or a Trust which appoints. The local minister(s) is often appointed as 'ex-officio' Foundation Governor(s).

As well as participating fully in the life of the GB like any other Governor, Foundation Governors also have special responsibilities for sustaining and developing the school's Christian character.

Find out more about Foundation Governors by following the links below:

• Introducing Foundation Governors

• The Church School and the Local Church

• Voluntary Aided and Voluntary Controlled Schools

Forms to Download

• Foundation Governor Declaration Form - to be completed, signed and returned by any person nominated to serve as a Foundation Governor. An appointment cannot be made until this Declaration Form is completed and returned
• Foundation Governor List 99 Form
• Foundation Governor Recommendation Form - to be used by a PCC to recommend a person to be appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education