The TSAT Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are three elements to the governance of the TSAT academies; local governance which is delivered via the Academy Governing Board (AGB), a Regional Review and Assurance Board (RAB) which ensures local governance is effective, and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust Board of Directors.

There is an Academy Governing Board for each school (or small cluster of schools) which consists of a group 8-11 governors made up of the Headteacher, Parents, Staff, Trust link staff and Community members who are appointed with the skills needed to fulfil the responsibilities of the AGB. Governors are elected for a term of 4 years and meet a minimum of 6 times a year.

The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Body are to:

• Hold Academy leadership to account for schools’ academic performance, quality of care and provision;
• Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and priorities are delivered within the Academy;
• Oversee and monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and implementation of the School Improvement Plan;
• Ensure consideration is given to stakeholder voices in strategic decision making and policy setting;
• Have involvement in the performance management of the Headteacher via the AGB Chair’s inclusion in annual professional growth reviews.

To explore Governor vacancies available within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, please visit our recruitment website or email governance@tsatrust.org.uk.

More information about the AGB and governance across the Thinking School Academy Trust can be found at:
http://www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/