HL Deb 14 April 1993 vol 544 cc70-1WA
Lord Mulley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What additional duties and responsibilities accrue to the governors of schools which 'opt-out' of the local education authority system as compared with governors of schools within the system; and what steps are taken to bring any such changes to the notice of the persons concerned.

Baroness Blatch

The additional duties and responsibilities of governors of self-governing (grant-maintained) schools lies in areas which were formerly handled by the local education authority concerned. These mainly involve determining the dates of school terms, handling admission arrangements, dealing with appeals against non-admissions and exclusions, and appointing and dismissing staff.

The instrument and articles of government of every self-governing (grant-maintained) school set out the duties and responsibilities of the governing body. Model forms of these documents are sent to schools when they become approved for grant-maintained status, together with circular letters and related material explaining the actions and duties required of governors.