OUR school was formerly grant-maintained and is now voluntary. We have been asked by the diocesan education department about their right to advise on the appointment of a head. Do we have to include the diocese in the process?
No, you do not, unless you have already agreed to give similar rights to the chief education officer of your local education authority. The law is set out in Schedule 17 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. A voluntary school may, at the governors’ discretion, extend to the chief education officer of the LEA theright to advise on the appointment of the head and deputy heads. If the local education authority asks for and is refused the right, the Secretary of State may overrule the decision, if he sees fit. The right may be withdrawn in writing by either side.
The diocesan authority is entitled to have the right, if the chief education officer has it, but not otherwise.
Please send your questions to Archimedes,The TES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX. Archimedes regrets he cannot enter into any private correspondence
