NGA publishes policy paper on SEND

Findings from NGA’s annual governance survey reveal an education system under growing strain. Supporting pupils with SEND has seen the steepest rise as the top challenge for governing boards across England (cited by 63% of respondents) and is accompanied by sharp increases in SEND-related pressures such as difficulties accessing funding and securing education, health and … Continue reading NGA publishes policy paper on SEND

The mature MAT model

The NGA has published a new report, The mature MAT model success, innovation and challenges in the trust system. This report follows two previous NGA studies, in 2019 and 2021, charting the trust system’s evolution with a particular focus on governance. Download the report here to explore the following themes: The mature academy trustThe resources … Continue reading The mature MAT model

The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?

The new Labour government have announced a series of new bills and initiatives - this post on the DfE website summarises what's there for education, which includes: Children’s Wellbeing Bill: Making sure there are free breakfast clubs in every primary school; Limiting the number of branded uniform items that a school can require, to bring … Continue reading The King’s Speech 2024: What does it mean for education?

NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024

The NGA has just published its latest (14th) School and Trust Annual Governance Survey. Highlight findings include: Funding Financial sustainability under threat Budget pressures intensify Falling pupil numbers Curriculum breadth at risk SEND funding crisis deepens Pupil, family and community needs SEND support demands surge Attendance is high priority Expanding school services Safeguarding issues growing … Continue reading NGA School and Trust Annual Governance Survey 2024

The State of Governance in England’s Schools and Trusts

A new report from the NGA focuses on the State of Governance in England's Schools and Trusts. It draws upon the analysis of external reviews of governance (ERG) reports from the National Leaders of Governance (NLG) programme and NGA's wider sector intelligence. The report identifies eight common governance challenges and provides practical insights and resources … Continue reading The State of Governance in England’s Schools and Trusts

New Governor’s guide on Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing

The NGA and Place2Be have published a new guide for Governors: Pupil mental health and wellbeing A guide for governing boards. It identifies eight principles for a whole school approach, and in eaqch case outlines what good governance should look like: Leadership and management Ethos and environment Curriculum Pupil voice Staff development, health and wellbeing … Continue reading New Governor’s guide on Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing

NGA Manifesto for Schools and Trusts

The NGA has published its new manifesto, "From Classrooms to Communities: A Manifesto for Schools and Trusts." This comprehensive document outlines key challenges faced by schools and academy trusts in the UK and presents a set of proposals aimed at addressing these issues.Included in the manifesto are the following topics: Staff Wellbeing and Recruitment Estates … Continue reading NGA Manifesto for Schools and Trusts

New NGA report on governance challanges

The National Governance Association (NGA) released a report today on the top 10 school and trust governance challenges. These were revealed through their analysis of 200 government-funded external reviews of governance (ERGs). The top challenges include: Board composition; Identifying skills gaps; Recruiting people with diverse experiences and knowledge; Being the right size to suit the … Continue reading New NGA report on governance challanges