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Education (No. 2) Act 1986 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 17 October 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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An Act to amend the law relating to education.
[7th November 1986]
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
Extent Information
E1Except for certain provisions this Act extends only to England and Wales see s. 67(7)
E2The extent provision of this Act was amended (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 66 (with ss. 561, 562, Sch. 39); see s. 67
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act amended by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 163(1), 231(7), 235(6)
C2Act modified by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 236(2)(a)
C3Act applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by 1993 c. 35, ss. 238, 239, Sch. 13 para.7(2)(a); S.I. 1993/3106, art. 4, Sch.1
Act explained (21.9.1994) by 1994 c. 30, s. 19(4); S.I. 1994/2204, art. 2(1)
C4Act: certain functions transferred (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch.1
C5Act applied (1.6.2001) by S.I. 2001/1507, reg. 2, Sch. 2 art. 2
C6Act applied (1.4.2005) by Central Sussex College (Government) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/397), Sch. 2 para. 2
C7Act modified (7.4.2005) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 96(2)
C8Act Education Acts modified (temp.) (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), s. 188(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(3); S.I. 2007/935, art. 5(bb)
Commencement Information
I1Act partly in force at Royal Assent, see s.66; Act wholly in force at 1.9.1987
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 1-42 (Pts. I-III) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I, Sch.39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
(1)For every county, voluntary and maintained special school there shall be—
(a)an instrument providing for the constitution of a governing body of the school (to be known as the instrument of government); and
(b)an instrument in accordance with which the school is to be conducted (to be known as the articles of government).
(2)The instrument of government and articles of government shall be made by order of the local education authority.
(3)The instrument of government shall contain such provisions as are required either by Part II of this Act (which is concerned, among other things, with the size and composition of governing bodies and the procedures for electing members and filling vacancies) or by any other enactment.
(4)The articles of government shall contain such provisions as are required either by Part III of this Act (which is concerned, among other things, with the manner in which schools are to be conducted and the allocation of functions between the local education authority, the governing body and the head teacher) or by any other enactment.
(5)The instrument of government and articles of government shall—
(a)contain no provision which is inconsistent with any provision made by or under this Act or any other enactment; and
(b)comply with any trust deed relating to the school.
(6)This section is subject to the following provisions of this Act—
(a)section 9 (which provides for two or more schools to be grouped under a single governing body in certain circumstances); and
(b)section 12 (which provides for certain existing, or proposed, schools to have temporary governing bodies pending the constitution of governing bodies under instruments of government).
(1)Before making any order under section 1 of this Act, a local education authority shall consult the governing body and the head teacher of the school concerned.
(2)Before making any such order in respect of a voluntary school, a local education authority shall—
(a)secure the agreement of the governing body to the terms of the proposed order;
(b)if it embodies or varies an instrument of government, secure the agreement of the foundation governors to any provisions which are of particular concern to those governors; and
(c)have regard to the way in which the school has been conducted.
(3)Where the governing body of any county, voluntary or maintained special school make a proposal to the local education authority for the alteration of the provision made by the instrument of government, or articles of government, for the school, it shall be the duty of the authority to consider their proposal.
(4)Where—
(a)the foundation governors of a voluntary school make a proposal to the local education authority for the alteration of the provision made by the instrument of government for the school; and
(b)the proposal relates solely to one or more matters which are of particular concern to those governors;
it shall be the duty of the authority to consider their proposal.
(5)Where a local education authority—
(a)propose to make an order under section 1 but cannot secure any agreement required by subsection (2) above; or
(b)refuse, in the case of a voluntary school, to make such an order in response to a proposal of a kind mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) above;
the authority or (as the case may be) the governing body or foundation governors may refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
(6)On any reference to him under subsection (5) above, the Secretary of State shall give such direction as he thinks fit having regard, in particular, to the status of the school as a controlled, aided or (as the case may be) special agreement school.
(7)Where it appears to the Secretary of State—
(a)that an order, or proposed order, under section 1 is in any respect inconsistent with the provisions of any trust deed relating to the school; and
(b)that it is expedient in the interests of the school that the provisions of the trust deed should be modified for the purpose of removing the inconsistency;
he may by order make such modifications in the trust deed as appear to him to be just and expedient for that purpose.
Textual Amendments
F2Ss. 1-42 (Pts. I-III) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch.38 Pt. I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
The instrument of government for any county, controlled or maintained special school shall provide for it to be the duty of the governors concerned, in co-opting any person to be a member of the governing body (otherwise than as a foundation governor)—
(a)to have regard—
(i)to the extent to which they and the other governors are members of the local business community; and
(ii)to any representations made to the governing body as to the desirability of increasing the connection between the governing body and that community; and
(b)where it appears to them that no governor of the school is a member of the local business community, or that it is desirable to increase the number of governors who are, to co-opt a person who appears to them to be a member of that community.
(1)Before resolving to group any schools under section 9 of this Act, a local education authority shall obtain the consent of the Secretary of State to the proposed grouping unless—
(a)the group will consist only of two primary schools both of which serve substantially the same area;
(b)neither of the schools is a special school; and
(c)where they are in Wales, there is no significant difference between them in their use of the Welsh language.
(2)The Secretary of State’s consent may be given subject to such conditions as he sees fit to impose with respect to the duration of the grouping to which his consent is given.
(3)Where two primary schools have been grouped under section 9 in circumstances in which the Secretary of State’s consent was not required under subsection (1) above, his consent to their continuing to be so grouped shall be required if a change of circumstances occurs such that a proposal to group those schools under section 9 made after that change would require his consent under that subsection.
(4)Where the Secretary of State’s consent is required to the grouping or continued grouping of any schools under section 9, sections 3 to 7 of this Act shall apply in relation to the group subject to such modifications (if any) as he may direct.
(5)No local education authority may pass a resolution under section 9 applying to any voluntary school without first obtaining the consent of its governing body.
(6)No local education authority may pass a resolution under section 9 applying to any county or maintained special school without first consulting its governing body.
(7)Any dispute as to whether, for the purposes of this section—
(a)two primary schools are to be regarded as serving substantially the same area; or
(b)there is any significant difference between two primary schools in their use of the Welsh language;
shall be determined by the Secretary of State.
(1)Where—
(a)any county, controlled or maintained special school has more governors of a particular category than are provided for by the instrument of government for the school; and
(b)the excess is not eliminated by the required number of governors of that category resigning;
such number of governors of that category as is required to eliminate the excess shall cease to hold office.
(2)The governors who are to cease to hold office shall be selected on the basis of seniority, the longest serving governor being the first to be selected, and so on.
(3)Where it is necessary for the purpose of subsection (2) above to select one or more governors from a group of equal seniority, it shall be done by drawing lots.
(4)Subsections (2) and (3) above do not apply in relation to foundation governors.
(5)The instrument of government for every controlled school shall make provision for the procedure to be adopted whenever subsection (1) above requires any foundation governor to cease to hold office.
(1)Where a school to which section 3 or 4 of this Act applies has more than one head teacher (whether or not as a result of two or more schools being grouped under section 9 of this Act), each of them shall be a governor unless he chooses not to be.
(2)It shall be for the local education authority, in the case of a county, controlled or maintained special school, and for the governing body, in the case of an aided or special agreement school—
(a)to determine, for the purposes of an election of parent governors or teacher governors to the governing body, any question whether a person is—
(i)a parent of a registered pupil at the school; or
(ii)a teacher at the school; and
(b)to make all necessary arrangements for, and to determine all other matters relating to, any such election.
(3)The power conferred by subsection (2)(b) above includes power to make provision as to qualifying dates but does not include power to impose any requirement as to the minimum number of votes required to be cast for a candidate to be elected.
(4)Any such election which is contested must be held by secret ballot.
(5)The arrangements made under subsection (2)(b) above shall, in the case of any election of a parent governor, provide for every person who is entitled to vote in the election to have an opportunity to do so by post or, if he so prefers, by having his ballot paper returned to the school by a registered pupil at the school.
(6)Where a vacancy for a parent governor of any county, voluntary or maintained special school is required to be filled by election, it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that every person who is known to them to be a parent of a registered pupil at the school is—
(a)informed of the vacancy and that it is required to be filled by election;
(b)informed that he is entitled to stand as a candidate, and vote, at the election; and
(c)given an opportunity to do so.
(7)The instrument of government for every voluntary school shall name the person or persons (if any) who are entitled to appoint any foundation governor.
(8)The instrument of government for any voluntary school may provide for any foundation governorship to be held ex officio by the holder of an office named in the instrument.
(9)The qualification of any person for election or appointment as a governor, of a particular category, of any county, voluntary or maintained special school, shall not have the effect of disqualifying him for election or appointment as a governor, of any other category, of that school.
(10)No person shall at any time hold more than one governorship of the same county, voluntary or maintained special school.
(11)Where the instrument of government for any county, voluntary or maintained special school provides for one or more governors to be appointed by persons acting jointly, any such appointment shall be made, in the event of failure on the part of those persons to make an agreed appointment—
(a)by the Secretary of State; or
(b)in accordance with any direction given by him.
(12)No instrument of government for any county, voluntary or maintained special school which provides for one or more persons to be co-opted, by governors, as members of the governing body of the school shall make any provision (otherwise than by virtue of section 6 of this Act) which has the effect of restricting those governors in their choice of person to co-opt.
(13)In subsection (12) above, references to co-opted governors are to governors required to be co-opted by virtue of section 3 of this Act and do not include references to co-opted foundation governors.
(14)No person shall be qualified for membership of the governing body of any county, voluntary or maintained special school unless he is aged eighteen or over, at the date of his election or appointment.
(15)In subsection (6) above, “appropriate authority” means—
(a)the local education authority, in the case of a county, controlled or maintained special school; and
(b)the governing body, in the case of an aided or special agreement school.
Textual Amendments
F24Ss. 1-42 (Pts. I-III) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
(1)It shall be the duty of every local education authority—
(a)to determine, and keep under review, their policy in relation to the secular curriculum for the county, voluntary and special schools maintained by them;
(b)to make, and keep up to date, a written statement of that policy; . . . F25
(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F25
(2)In discharging their duty under subsection (1) above, an authority shall consider, in particular—
(a)the range of the secular curriculum; and
(b)the balance between its different components.
(3)In carrying out their functions under this Act or any other enactment, a local education authority shall have regard to their policy in relation to the secular curriculum for their schools, as expressed in their statement.
(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F26
(1)The articles of government for every aided and special agreement school shall provide—
(a)for the content of the secular curriculum for the school to be under the control of the governing body;
(b)for the governing body to have regard to the policy of the local education authority as to the curriculum for the authority’s schools, as expressed in the statement made by the authority under section 17 of this Act; and
(c)for the head teacher to be allocated by the governing body such functions as will, subject to the resources available, enable him to determine and organise the curriculum and secure that it is followed within the school.
(2)The articles of government for every such school shall provide for it to be the duty of the governing body, when considering the content of the secular curriculum for the school, to have regard—
(a)to any representations which are made to them, with regard to that curriculum, by any persons connected with the community served by the school; and
(b)to any such representations which—
(i)are made to them by the chief officer of police; and
(ii)are connected with his responsibilities.
(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F32
(1)Every local education authority shall make arrangements for enabling—
(a)a registered pupil at a county, controlled or maintained special school who is aged eighteen or over, or a parent of his, in the case of a pupil at such a school who is under eighteen, to appeal against any decision not to reinstate the pupil following his permanent exclusion from the school; and
(b)any governing body of such a school, the head teacher of which has been directed by the authority to reinstate any registered pupil at the school who has been permanently excluded, to appeal against the direction.
(2)The governing body of every aided or special agreement school shall make arrangements for enabling a registered pupil at the school who is aged eighteen or over, or a parent of a pupil at such a school who is under eighteen to appeal against any decision not to reinstate the pupil following his permanent exclusion from the school.
(3)Joint arrangements may be made under subsection (2) above by the governing bodies of two or more aided or special agreement schools maintained by the same local education authority.
(4)Any appeal by virtue of this section shall be to an appeal committee constituted in accordance with Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1980 Act; and Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect, in place of Part II of Schedule 2 to the 1980 Act, in relation to any such appeal.
(5)The decision of an appeal committee on any such appeal shall be binding on the persons concerned; and where the committee determines that the pupil in question should be reinstated it shall direct that he be reinstated immediately or direct that he be reinstated by such date as is specified in the direction.
Where the articles of government for any county, voluntary or maintained special school provide—
(a)for the parents of any pupil who is excluded from the school in circumstances in which no right of appeal is given by section 26 of this Act to have the right to appeal against his exclusion to a person specified by the articles; and
(b)for the procedure to be followed on such an appeal; any decision on such an appeal that the pupil should be reinstated, or that he should be reinstated earlier than would otherwise be the case, shall be binding on the head teacher.
(1)Every local education authority shall have power, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3) below, to take such steps in relation to any county, controlled or special school maintained by them as they consider are required to prevent the breakdown, or continuing breakdown, of discipline at the school.
(2)The governing body and the head teacher of every aided and special agreement school shall, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (3) below, consider any representations made to them by the local education authority.
(3)The circumstances are that—
(a)in the opinion of the authority—
(i)the behaviour of registered pupils at the school; or
(ii)any action taken by such pupils or their parents;
is such that the education of any such pupils is, or is likely in the immediate future to become, severely prejudiced; and
(b)the governing body have been informed in writing of the authority’s opinion.
(4)Steps taken by an authority under subsection (1) above may include the giving of any direction to the governing body or head teacher.
(1)Subject to subsections (7) and (8) below, the articles of government for every county, voluntary and maintained special school shall provide for it to be the duty of the governing body to hold a meeting once in every school year (“the annual parents’ meeting”) which is open to—
(a)all parents of registered pupils at the school;
(b)the head teacher; and
(c)such other persons as the governing body may invite.
(2)The purpose of the meeting shall be to provide an opportunity for discussion of—
(a)the governors’ report; and
(b)the discharge by the governing body, the head teacher and the local education authority of their functions in relation to the school.
(3)No person who is not a parent of a registered pupil at the school may vote on any question put to the meeting.
(4)The articles of government for every such school shall provide—
(a)for the proceedings at any annual parents’ meeting to be under the control of the governing body;
(b)for any annual parents’ meeting, at which the required number of parents of registered pupils at the school are present, to be entitled to pass (by a simple majority) resolutions on any matters which may properly be discussed at the meeting;
(c)for it to be the duty of the governing body—
(i)to consider any resolution which is duly passed at such a meeting and which they consider is a matter for them;
(ii)to send to the head teacher a copy of any such resolution which they consider is a matter for him; and
(iii)to send to the local education authority a copy of any such resolution which they consider is a matter for the authority; and
(d)for it to be the duty of the head teacher, and of the local education authority, to consider any such resolution a copy of which has been sent to him, or them, by the governing body and to provide the governing body with a brief comment on it (in writing) for inclusion in their next governors’ report.
(5)The articles of government for every county, controlled and maintained special school shall provide for any question whether any person is to be treated as the parent of a registered pupil at the school, for the purposes of any provision of the articles relating to the annual parents’ meeting, to be determined by the local education authority.
(6)The articles of government for every aided or special agreement school shall provide for any such question to be determined by the governing body.
(7)The articles of government for every special school established in a hospital shall provide that where the governing body are of the opinion that it would be impracticable to hold an annual parents’ meeting in a particular school year they may refrain from holding such a meeting in that year.
(8)The articles of government for every county, voluntary and maintained special school (other than a special school established in a hospital), the proportion of registered pupils at which who are boarders is, or is likely to be, at least fifty per cent., shall provide that where—
(a)the governing body are of the opinion that it would be impracticable to hold an annual parents’ meeting in a particular school year; and
(b)at least fifty per cent. of the registered pupils at the school are boarders at the time when the governing body form that opinion;
they may refrain from holding such a meeting in that year.
(9)In subsection (4)(b) above “the required number”, in relation to any school, means any number equal to at least twenty per cent. of the number of registered pupils at the school.
(1)The articles of government for every county, voluntary and maintained special school shall provide—
(a)for the governing body to furnish to the local education authority such reports in connection with the discharge of their functions as the authority may require (either on a regular basis or from time to time); and
(b)for the head teacher to furnish to the governing body or (as the case may be) local education authority such reports in connection with the discharge of his functions as the governing body or authority may so require.
(2)The articles of government for every aided school shall provide—
(a)for the local education authority to notify the governing body of any requirement of a kind mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above which is imposed by them on the head teacher; and
(b)for the head teacher to furnish the governing body with a copy of any report which he makes in complying with the requirement.
(1)Where the governing body of any county or voluntary school are responsible for determining the arrangements for admitting pupils to the school, they shall—
(a)at least once in every school year, consult the local education authority as to whether those arrangements are satisfactory; and
(b)consult the authority before determining, or varying, any of them.
(2)Where the local education authority are responsible for determining the arrangements for admitting pupils to any such school they shall—
(a)at least once in every school year, consult the governing body as to whether those arrangements are satisfactory; and
(b)consult the governing body before determining, or varying, any of them.
(1)Every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall have a complement of teaching and non-teaching posts determined by the local education authority.
(2)The complement for any such school shall include—
(a)all full-time teaching posts; and
(b)all part-time teaching posts which are to be filled by persons whose only employment with the authority will be at the school.
(3)The complement for any such school shall not include any staff employed by the authority solely in connection with either or both of the following—
(a)the provision of meals;
(b)the supervision of pupils at midday.
(1)The appointment and dismissal of staff (including teachers) at every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall be under the control of the local education authority, but—
(a)the appointment of a head teacher shall be subject to the provision made by the articles of government for the school in accordance with section 37 of this Act;
(b)the appointment of a deputy head teacher shall be subject to the provision made by the articles in accordance with section 39 of this Act;
(c)the appointment and dismissal of the clerk to the governing body shall be subject to section 40 of this Act and to any provision made by the articles in accordance with that section;
(d)the appointment of any other staff (including any teacher), to a post which is part of the school’s complement, shall be subject to the provision made by the articles in accordance with section 38 of this Act;
(e)the dismissal of staff shall be subject to the provision made by the articles in accordance with section 41 of this Act;
(f)the appointment and dismissal of staff at any school for which there is a temporary governing body shall be subject to the provisions of Schedule 2 to this Act; and
(g)this section is subject to the provisions of sections 27 and 28 of the 1944 Act (which relate to religious education).
(2)The articles of government for every such school shall provide for it to be the duty of the local education authority to consult the governing body and the head teacher before appointing any person to work solely at the school otherwise than—
(a)in a teaching post;
(b)in a non-teaching post which is part of the complement of the school; or
(c)solely in connection with either or both of the following—
(i)the provision of meals;
(ii)the supervision of pupils at midday.
(1)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall provide—
(a)for the constitution of a selection panel whenever such a panel is required, by virtue of section 37 or 39 of this Act, in relation to the appointment of a head teacher or deputy head teacher;
(b)for the selection panel to consist of a specified number of persons appointed to it by the local education authority and a specified number of governors appointed to it by the governing body, the number so specified being—
(i)in each case, not less than three; and
(ii)in relation to appointments made by the governing body, not less than the number specified in relation to appointments made by the authority; and
(c)for the governing body and the authority to have power to replace, at any time, any member of the selection panel whom they have appointed.
(2)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to the meetings and proceedings of selection panels.
(1)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall provide—
(a)for it to be the duty of the local education authority not to appoint a person to be the head teacher of the school unless his appointment has been recommended by a selection panel constituted in accordance with the articles;
(b)for it to be the duty of the authority, in the event of the post of head teacher being vacant, to appoint an acting head teacher after consulting the governing body;
(c)for it to be the duty of the authority, before appointing a head teacher, to advertise the vacancy in such publications circulating throughout England and Wales as they consider appropriate;
(d)for it to be the duty of the selection panel constituted in relation to the appointment of a head teacher to interview such applicants for the post as they think fit;
(e)in the event of a failure of the panel to agree on the applicants whom they wish to interview—
(i)for those members of the panel appointed by the governing body to have the right to nominate not more than two applicants to be interviewed by the panel; and
(ii)for the other members of the panel to have the right to nominate not more than two other applicants to be so interviewed;
(f)for it to be the duty of the panel, where they consider that it is appropriate to do so, to recommend to the authority for appointment as head teacher one of the applicants interviewed by them;
(g)for it to be the duty of the panel, where they are unable to agree on a person to recommend to the authority—
(i)to repeat (with a view to reaching agreement) such of the steps which they are required to take by virtue of paragraphs (d) to (f) above as they think fit;
(ii)where they have repeated any of those steps and remain unable to agree, or have decided that it is not appropriate to repeat any of them, to require the authority to re-advertise the vacancy; and
(iii)where the vacancy is re-advertised, to repeat all of those steps;
(h)for it to be the duty of the panel, where the authority decline to appoint a person recommended by them—
(i)where there are applicants for the post whom they have not interviewed, to interview such of those applicants (if any) as they think fit;
(ii)to recommend another of the applicants interviewed by them, if they think fit;
(iii)to ask the authority to re-advertise the vacancy, if they consider that it should be re-advertised; and
(iv)where the vacancy is re-advertised, to repeat the steps which they are required to take by virtue of paragraphs (d) to (f);
(i)for it to be the duty of the authority to re-advertise the post of head teacher where they are required to do so by the panel; and for the authority to have power to do so, where—
(i)the post has been duly advertised;
(ii)the selection panel have failed to make either a recommendation which is acceptable to the authority or a request that the post be re-advertised; and
(iii)the authority are of the opinion that the panel have had sufficient time in which to carry out their functions; and
(j)for the chief education officer of the authority, or a member of his department nominated by him, to have the right to attend all proceedings of the panel (including interviews) for the purpose of giving advice to members of the panel.
(2)In this section “head teacher” does not include an acting head teacher.
(1)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall, in relation to the appointment of a deputy head teacher for the school, make—
(a)the same provision, modified in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) below, as that made by the articles (in accordance with section 37 of this Act) in relation to the appointment of a head teacher for the school; or
(b)the same provision as that made by the articles (in accordance with section 38 of this Act) in relation to the appointment of other teachers at the school.
(2)Articles of government which, in accordance with subsection (1) above, provide for the appointment of a deputy head teacher for the school to be on the recommendation of a selection panel shall provide for the head teacher, where he is not a member of the panel—
(a)to be entitled to be present, for the purpose of giving advice, at any proceedings of the panel (including interviews); and
(b)whether or not he attends any such proceedings, to be consulted by the panel before it makes any recommendation to the local education authority.
(3)No provision shall be required in the articles of government similar to that mentioned in section 37(1)(b) of this Act.
(4)In subsection (1) above “head teacher” does not include an acting head teacher.
(1)The articles of government for every county and maintained special school shall provide for the clerk to the governing body to be appointed by the local education authority in accordance with arrangements to be determined by them in consultation with the governing body.
(2)The clerk to the governing body of any controlled or special agreement school shall be appointed—
(a)where the articles of government make provision in relation to his appointment, in accordance with that provision;
(b)in every other case, by the authority in accordance with arrangements determined by them in consultation with the governing body.
(3)Arrangements determined in respect of any school under subsections (1) or (2)(b) above may be varied by the authority in consultation with the governing body.
(4)The articles of government for every county and maintained special school shall provide for it to be the duty of the authority not to dismiss the clerk except in accordance with arrangements determined by them in consultation with the governing body.
(5)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall provide for the governing body to have power, where the clerk fails to attend any meeting of theirs, to appoint one of their number to act as clerk for the purposes of that meeting, but without prejudice to his position as a governor.
(6)The clerk to the governing body of any controlled or special agreement schools may not be dismissed except—
(a)where the articles of government make provision in relation to his dismissal, in accordance with that provision; or
(b)in any other case, in accordance with arrangements determined by the local education authority in consultation with the governing body.
(7)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall provide for it to be the duty of the local education authority to consider any representations made to them by the governing body as to the dismissal of their clerk.
(1)The articles of government for every county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special school shall provide—
(a)for it to be the duty of the local education authority to consult the governing body and the head teacher (except where he is the person concerned) before—
(i)dismissing (otherwise than under section 27(5) or 28(4) of the 1944 Act, which allow foundation governors to require the authority to dismiss a reserved teacher) any person to whom subsection (3) below applies;
(ii)otherwise requiring any such person to cease to work at the school; or
(iii)permitting any such person to retire in circumstances in which he would be entitled to compensation for premature retirement;
(b)for it to be the duty of the local education authority, where a teacher at the school is required to complete an initial period of probation, to consult the governing body and the head teacher before—
(i)extending his period of probation; or
(ii)deciding whether he has completed it successfully;
(c)for it to be the duty of the local education authority, where the governing body recommend to them that a person should cease to work at the school, to consider their recommendation;
(d)for both the governing body and the head teacher to have power to suspend any person employed to work at the school where, in the opinion of the governing body or (as the case may be) the head teacher, his exclusion from the school is required; and
(e)for it to be the duty of the governing body, or head teacher, when exercising that power—
(i)to inform the local education authority and the head teacher or (as the case may be) governing body forthwith; and
(ii)to end the suspension if directed to do so by the authority.
(2)In this section “suspend” means suspend without loss of emoluments.
(3)This subsection applies to any person who is employed—
(a)in a post which is part of the complement of the school in question; or
(b)to work solely at the school in any other post, otherwise than solely in connection with either or both of the following—
(i)the provision of meals;
(ii)the supervision of pupils at midday.
(1)Every individual and body of persons concerned in the government of any establishment to which this section applies shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is secured for members, students and employees of the establishment and for visiting speakers.
(2)The duty imposed by subsection (1) above includes (in particular) the duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the use of any premises of the establishment is not denied to any individual or body of persons on any ground connected with—
(a)the beliefs or views of that individual or of any member of that body; or
(b)the policy or objectives of that body.
(3)The governing body of every such establishment shall, with a view to facilitating the discharge of the duty imposed by subsection (1) above in relation to that establishment, issue and keep up to date a code of practice setting out—
(a)the procedures to be followed by members, students and employees of the establishment in connection with the organisation—
(i)of meetings which are to be held on premises of the establishment and which fall within any class of meeting specified in the code; and
(ii)of other activities which are to take place on those premises and which fall within any class of activity so specified; and
(b)the conduct required of such persons in connection with any such meeting or activity;
and dealing with such other matters as the governing body consider appropriate.
(4)Every individual and body of persons concerned in the government of any such establishment shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable (including where appropriate the initiation of disciplinary measures) to secure that the requirements of the code of practice for that establishment, issued under subsection (3) above, are complied with.
[F54(4A)The establishments in England to which this section applies are—
F55(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)any establishment of higher or further education which is maintained by a local authority;
(c)any institution within the further education sector.]
(5)The establishments [F56 in Wales] to which this section applies are—
(a)any university;
[F57(aa) any institution other than a university within the higher education sector]
[F58(b)any establishment of higher or further education which is maintained by a [F59local authority];]
[F60(ba) any institution within the further education sector]
F61(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6)In this section—
“governing body” [F62—
F63...
[F64in relation to an institution in Wales within the higher education sector or the further education sector has the meaning given by section 90(1) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), but subject to any provision made by virtue of section 90(2) of that Act;]]
F65...
“university” includes a university college and any college, or institution in the nature of a college, in a university.
[F66(6A)For the purposes of this section—
(a)an establishment is taken to be in England if its activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in England;
(b)an establishment is taken to be in Wales if its activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in Wales.]
(7)Where any establishment—
(a)falls within subsection [F67(4A)(b) or] (5)(b) above; or
F68(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the [F59local authority] [F69. . .] shall, for the purposes of this section, be taken to be concerned in its government.
(8)Where a students’ union occupies premises which are not premises of the establishment in connection with which the union is constituted, any reference in this section to the premises of the establishment shall be taken to include a reference to the premises occupied by the students’ union.
Textual Amendments
F54S. 43(4A) inserted (1.8.2019) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 5(2); S.I. 2018/1226, reg. 4(p)
F55S. 43(4A)(a) omitted (1.8.2025) by virtue of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (c. 16), s. 13(3), Sch. para. 18(a); S.I. 2025/528, reg. 2(h)
F56Words in s. 43(5) inserted (1.8.2019) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 5(3); S.I. 2018/1226, reg. 4(p)
F57S. 43(5)(aa) substituted (1.4.1993) (for s. 43(5)(aa) which was inserted by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(1), Sch. 12 para. 100(2)) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 93(1), Sch. 8 para. Pt. I 22(a)(i); S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch. 3
F58S. 43(5)(b) substituted by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(1), Sch. 12 para. 100(3)
F59Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 3
F60S. 43(5)(ba) inserted (1.4.1993) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 93, Sch. 8 Pt. I para. 22(a)(ii); S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch.3
F61S. 43(5)(c) repealed (1.4.1993) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 93, Sch. 8 Pt. I para. 22(a)(iii), Sch. 9; S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch. 3Appendix
F62Words in s. 43(6) substituted (1.8.2019) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 5(4); S.I. 2018/1226, reg. 4(p)
F63Words in s. 43(6) omitted (1.8.2025) by virtue of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (c. 16), s. 13(3), Sch. para. 18(b)(i); S.I. 2025/528, reg. 2(h)
F64Words in s. 43(6) substituted (W.) (1.8.2024) by Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (asc 1), s. 148(2), Sch. 4 para. 3(2)(b) (with s. 19); S.I. 2024/806, art. 2(k)(ii) (with art. 28)
F65Words in s. 43(6) omitted (1.8.2025) by virtue of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (c. 16), s. 13(3), Sch. para. 18(b)(ii); S.I. 2025/528, reg. 2(h)
F66S. 43(6A) inserted (1.8.2019) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 5(6); S.I. 2018/1226, reg. 4(p)
F67Words in s. 43(7)(a) inserted (1.8.2019) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 5(7); S.I. 2018/1226, reg. 4(p)
F68S. 43(7)(b) repealed (1.4.1993) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 93, Sch. 8 Pt. I, para. 22(b), Sch. 9; S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch. 3Appendix
F69Words in s. 43(7) repealed (1.4.1993) by Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13), s. 93, Sch. 8 Pt. I para. 22(b), Sch.9; S.I. 1992/831, art. 2, Sch. 3Appendix
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C44S. 43 modified (W.) (1.9.2013) by The Operation of the Local Curriculum (Wales) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1793), regs. 1(1), 3(a)
Textual Amendments
F70Ss. 44-47 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F71Ss. 44-47 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F72Ss. 44-47 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F73Ss. 44-47 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F74Ss. 44-47 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
After section 48 of the M1Education Act (Scotland) 1980, there shall be inserted the following new section—
(1)Where, in any proceedings, it is shown that corporal punishment has been given to a pupil by or on the authority of a member of the staff, giving the punishment cannot be justified on the ground that it was done in pursuance of a right exercisable by the member of the staff by virtue of his position as such.
(2)Subject to subsection (3) below, references in this section to giving corporal punishment are references to doing anything for the purposes of punishing the pupil concerned (whether or not there are also other reasons for doing it) which, apart from any justification, would constitute physical assault upon the person.
(3)A person is not to be taken for the purposes of this section as giving corporal punishment by virtue of anything done for reasons which include averting an immediate danger of personal injury to, or an immediate danger to the property of, any person (including the pupil concerned).
(4)A person does not commit an offence by reason of any conduct relating to a pupil which would, apart from this section, be justified on the ground that it was done in pursuance of a right exercisable by a member of the staff by virtue of his position as such.
(5)In this section “pupil” means a person—
(a)for whom education is provided—
(i)at a public school,
(ii)at a grant-aided school, or
(iii)at an independent school, maintained or assisted by a Minister of the Crown, which is a school prescribed by regulations made under this section or falls within a category of schools so prescribed.
(b)for whom school education is provided by an education authority otherwise than at a school, or
(c)to whom subsection (6) below applies and for whom education is provided at an independent school which does not fall within paragraph (a)(iii) above.
(6)This subsection applies to a person if—
(a)he holds an assisted place under a scheme operated by the Secretary of State under section 75A of this Act.
(b)any of the fees or expenses payable in respect of his attendance at school are paid by the Secretary of State under section 73(f) of this Act.
(c)any of the fees payable in respect of his attendance at school are paid by an education authority under section 24(1)(c), 49(2)(b), 50(1) or 64(3) of this Act, or
(d)he falls within a category, prescribed by regulations made under this section, of persons appearing to the Secretary of State to be persons in respect of whom any fees are paid out of public funds.
(7)In this section “member of the staff” means—
(a)in relation to a person who is a pupil by reason of the provision of education for him at any school, any teacher who works at the school and any other person who has lawful control or charge of the pupil and works there, and
(b)in relation to a person who is a pupil by reason of the provision of school education for him by an education authority at a place other than a school, any teacher employed by the authority who works at that place and any other person employed by the authority who has lawful control or charge of the pupil and works there.
(8)The Secretary of State may, by order made by statutory instrument, prescribe—
(a)schools or categories of school for the purposes of subsection (5)(a)(iii) above; and
(b)categories of persons for the purposes of subsection (6)(d) above.
(9)A person shall not be debarred from receiving education (whether by refusing him admission to, or excluding him from, a school or otherwise) by reason of the fact that this section applies in relation to him, or if he were admitted might so apply.
(10)The power conferred on the Secretary of State by paragraph 4 of Schedule 1A to this Act to revoke a determination under section 75A of this Act if he is not satisfied that appropriate educational standards are being maintained includes power to do so if he is not satisfied that subsection (9) above is being complied with.”
Marginal Citations
F75. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F75S. 49 repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 19.12.2002 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 131(8), 215(2), 216(4) {Sch. 22 Pt. 3} (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with transitional provisions and savings in art. 4, Sch.); S.I. 2002/3185, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F76S. 50 omitted (1.9.2005) by virtue of Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(3)(a), Sch. 14 para. 10, Sch. 19 Pt. 3
Textual Amendments
F77Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F78Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F79Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F80Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F81Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F82Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F83Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F84Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F85Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F86Ss. 51-60 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F87S. 61 omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(h), Sch. 15 para. 2(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F88S. 62 omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(h), Sch. 15 para. 2(3)
(1)Any power of the Secretary of State to make orders or regulations under this Act F89. . . shall be exercised by statutory instrument.
(2)Any such statutory instrument (other than one made under section F90. . . 66, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
F91(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)Regulations and orders under this Act may make different provision for different cases or different circumstances and may contain such incidental, supplemental or transitional provisions as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
F92(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F89Words in s. 63(1) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F90Words in s. 63(2) repealed (1.11.1996) by virtue of 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F91S. 63(2A) repealed (1.11.1996) by virtue of 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F92S. 63(4) repealed (1.4.1995) by 1993 c. 35, ss. 307(1)(3), 308(3), Sch. 19 para. 107(b), Sch. 21 Pt. II; S.I. 1994/1558, art. 3, Sch. Appendix
There shall be defrayed out of money provided by Parliament—
(a)any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State under this Act; and
(b)any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable out of such money under any other Act.
(1)In this Act—
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
F94. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
[F95“establishment of higher or further education” means an institution which provides higher education or further education (or both);]
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
F93. . .
(2)Except where otherwise provided, in this Act “governing body” and “governor” do not include a temporary governing body or any member of such a body.
Textual Amendments
F93S. 65(1): all the definitions except that of "establishment of higher or further education" repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F94Definition in s. 65(1) repealed (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 35, s. 303(4), 307(1)(3), Sch. 19 para. 108, Sch. 21 Pt. I; S.I. 1994/507, art. 4, Sch. 2
F95Definition inserted by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(1), 235(6), 237(1), Sch. 12 para. 105
(1)Sections F96. . . 63 to 65, this section and section 67(1) F96. . . and (7) of this Act shall come into force on the passing of this Act.
(2)Section 49 F97. . . of this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.
(3)The other provisions shall come into force on such date as the Secretary of State may by order appoint.
(4)Different dates may be appointed for different provisions or different purposes including, in particular, for the purpose of bringing particular provisions into force only in relation to particular schools or categories of school.
(5)Any order under this section may make such transitional provision as appears to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient in connection with the provisions brought into force by the order.
(6)Any such order may include such adaptations of the provisions which it brings into force, or of any other provisions of this Act then in force, as appear to him to be necessary or expedient for the purpose or in consequence of the operation of any provision of this Act (including, in particular, the provisions which the order brings into force) before the coming into force of any other provision.
Subordinate Legislation Made
P3Power of appointment conferred by s. 66(3) fully exercised: S.I. 1986/2203, 1987/344, 1159
Textual Amendments
F96Words in s. 66(1) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F97Words in s. 66(2) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
(1)This Act may be cited as the Education (No. 2) Act 1986.
F98(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)This Act shall be construed as one with [F99the Education Act 1996.]
(4)Schedule 4 to this Act (which makes consequential amendments) shall have effect.
F98(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F98(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7)[F100In this Act section 48 and this section extend to Scotland,] but otherwise this Act extends only to England and Wales.
Textual Amendments
F98S. 67(2)(5) and (6) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1)(2), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 66(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F99Words in s. 67(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 66(3) (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F100Words in s. 67(7) substituted (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 66(4) (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Textual Amendments
F101 Schs. 1-3 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
1(1)In this Schedule—
“group” means two or more schools grouped under section 9 of this Act; and
“grouped school” means a school which forms part of a group.
(2)Any reference in any enactment to the governing body or governors of a school shall be construed, in relation to any grouped school, as a reference to the governing body or governors of the group.
2(1)Before making an order under section 1 of this Act embodying the first instrument of government for any group; the local education authority shall consult the governing body and head teacher of each school within the group and, where the group contains one or more voluntary schools, shall—
(a)secure the agreement of the governing body of each such school to the terms of the proposed order;
(b)secure the agreement of the foundation governors of each such school to any provisions which will be of particular concern to the foundation governors of the group; and
(c)have regard to the way in which those schools have been conducted.
(2)Where such an order has been made, subsections (1) to (6) of section 2 of this Act shall apply in relation to any subsequent order embodying or varying the instrument of government for the group, or any proposal for the making of such an order—
(a)as if, in the case of a group which contains one or more voluntary schools, it were a single voluntary school; and
(b)as if, in any other case, it were a single county school.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (5) of section 2, any agreement required by sub-paragraph (1) above shall be deemed to have been required by subsection (2) of that section.
3The instrument of government for any group—
(a)may provide for the local education authority to have power to determine, in relation to every election of parent or teacher governors, the school or schools within the group the parents of registered pupils at which, or (as the case may be) the teachers at which, are to be entitled to stand and vote at the election; and
(b)shall, where it does so, provide for it to be the duty of the authority to ensure that the position after any such election will be that there is no school within the group which will not have had an opportunity to have so participated in the election of at least one of the parent or (as the case may be) teacher governors of the group.
4(1)In discharging their duty to prepare governors’ reports; the governing body for a group shall prepare separate reports in relation to each of the schools within the group unless they decide to hold a joint annual parents’ meeting, under paragraph 5 below.
(2)Where the governing body for a group prepare a single report covering all schools within the group, it shall be their duty to secure that any matters which they propose to report on and which are likely to be mainly of interest to the parents of registered pupils at a particular school within the group are treated separately in the report.
5(1)In discharging their duty to hold an annual parents’ meeting for any grouped school the governing body for the group may, if they think fit, hold a joint meeting for all of the schools within the group.
(2)Where—
(a)a joint meeting is held; and
(b)the governing body have prepared separate governors’ reports in relation to each of the schools within the group;
the governing body shall, when discharging the duty imposed on them by virtue of section 30(4) of this Act, attach to the report prepared in relation to any one school in the group copies of the reports prepared for each of the other schools within the group.
(3)Where at any joint meeting the question is put on any proposed resolution which concerns one or more, but not all, of the schools within the group—
(a)only parents of registered pupils at the school or schools which the proposed resolution concerns may vote on the question; and
(b)the registered pupils at the other schools shall be disregarded for the purposes of section 31(4)(b) of this Act as it applies in relation to the proposed resolution.
(4)Where at any joint meeting there is any disagreement as to which schools within the group a proposed resolution concerns, the matter shall be decided by the chairman of the governing body.
Textual Amendments
F102 Schs. 1-3 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
1In this Schedule—
“arrangement” means (except in paragraph 2(2)(b) or 19) an arrangement made under section 12 of this Act for the constitution of a temporary governing body for a new school;
“new school” means any school, or proposed school, which is required to have a temporary governing body or in respect of which the local education authority have power to make an arrangement under section 12(4);
“relevant proposal” means the proposal (of a kind mentioned in section 12) by reference to which the school in question is a new school; and
“temporary governor” means any member of a temporary governing body.
3(1)The requirement for there to be an instrument of government for a school to which section 1 of this Act applies shall take effect in relation to a new school from the date on which the relevant proposal is implemented.
(2)When that requirement takes effect, paragraph 2(2) above shall apply in relation to the governing body of the school as it applied in relation to its temporary governing body and shall continue to apply, for the purposes of determining (at any time after the governing body is first constituted) what provision would be required to be made by a new instrument of government for the school, until such time as—
(a)the number of registered pupils at the school reaches the maximum referred to in paragraph 2(2); or
(b)the local education authority exercise the power conferred on them by virtue of sub-paragraph (3) below.
(3)The instrument of government for every school to which paragraph 2(2) above applies at the time when it is made shall provide for the local education authority to have power to direct that that paragraph shall cease to apply in relation to the school.
(4)The local education authority shall secure that the governing body of any new school is constituted—
(a)as soon as is reasonably practicable after the requirement for there to be an instrument of government for the school takes effect; and
(b)in any event not later than the last day of the term in which pupils first attend the new school or (as the case may be) first attend the school after it becomes a maintained school.
(5)Where the requirement for there to be an instrument of government for a new school has taken effect, the temporary governing body of the school shall, until such time as the governing body is constituted—
(a)continue in existence (notwithstanding that the arrangement under which they were constituted has come to an end by virtue of paragraph 5 below); and
(b)be treated as if they were the governing body.
(6)Where a new school is grouped under section 9 of this Act, with effect from the time when an instrument of government is required for the school, any consent given by, or consultation with, the temporary governing body shall be treated for the purposes of section 10(5) and (6) of this Act as having been given by, or (as the case may be) held with, the governing body.
(7)Where any question arises as to the date which is to be taken to be the implementation date of any such proposal for the purposes of this paragraph, it shall be determined by the Secretary of State.
4(1)Before making any order under section 1 of this Act in respect of a new school, the local education authority shall consult the temporary governing body and head teacher.
(2)Before making any such order in respect of a new school which will be a voluntary school, the authority shall—
(a)secure the agreement of the temporary governing body to the terms of the proposed order; and
(b)if it embodies or varies an instrument of government, secure the agreement of the temporary foundation governors to any provisions which are of particular concern to those governors.
(3)Where a local education authority propose to make any such order in respect of a new school but cannot secure any agreement required by this paragraph, they or (as the case may be) the temporary governing body or temporary foundation governors may refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
(4)On any reference to him under this paragraph the Secretary of State shall give such direction as he thinks fit.
6(1)No local education authority shall make an arrangement in respect of a new school which will be a controlled school without the agreement of the promoters as to the provision which will be made in relation to the temporary foundation governors; and in the event of any disagreement between the authority and the promoters in respect of that provision, either of them may refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
(2)No local education authority shall make an arrangement in respect of a new school which will be an aided school without the agreement of the promoters as to the composition of the temporary governing body; and in the event of any disagreement between the authority and the promoters as to the composition of that body, either of them may refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
(3)On any reference under this paragraph, the Secretary of State shall give such direction as he thinks fit.
8(1)Subject to paragraph 7(2) above, the temporary teacher governors of a new school shall be co-opted by a resolution passed at a meeting of those temporary governors who have not themselves been co-opted.
(2)No person shall be appointed as a temporary teacher governor of a new school unless he is employed as a teacher in a school maintained by a local education authority.
10(1)The proceedings of a temporary governing body shall not be invalidated by—
(a)any vacancy among their number; or
(b)any defect in the appointment of any temporary governor.
(2)Any member of a temporary governing body may at any time resign his office, or be removed from office, in the same way as a member of a governing body constituted under an instrument of government.
(3)The minutes of the proceedings of any temporary governing body shall be open to inspection by the local education authority.
(4)The Secretary of State may by regulations make similar provision in relation to temporary governing bodies and their members as may be made in relation to governing bodies and their members under section 8 of this Act.
11(1)The qualification of any person for appointment as a temporary governor, of a particular category, of any new school shall not have the effect of disqualifying him for appointment as a temporary governor, of any other category, of that school.
(2)No person shall at any time hold more than one temporary governorship of the same school.
(3)Where any temporary governor is to be appointed by persons acting jointly, the appointment shall be made, in the event of failure on the part of those persons to make an agreed appointment—
(a)by the Secretary of State; or
(b)in accordance with any direction given by him.
(4)Subject to paragraph 2(3) above, where temporary governors are required to co-opt one or more persons to be temporary governors, the arrangement under which the temporary governing body are constituted shall not make any provision which has the effect of restricting those governors in their choice of person to co-opt.
(5)Sub-paragraph (4) above does not apply in relation to foundation governors.
(6)No person shall be qualified for membership of any temporary governing body unless he is aged eighteen or over at the date of his appointment.
12(1)The requirement for there to be articles of government for certain schools, which is imposed by section 1 of this Act, shall not apply in relation to a new school until such time as it is required to have an instrument of government (in accordance with section 1 as read with paragraph 3 of this Schedule).
(2)The determination of those matters relating to the conduct of any new school which require to be determined before a governing body is constituted for the school under an instrument of government shall be under the direction of the temporary governing body, but subject to any provision made by or under this Act (including, in particular, this Schedule) or any other enactment.
(3)The Secretary of State may by regulations make similar provision in relation to consultation with temporary governing bodies as he has power to make in relation to consultation with governing bodies under section 16(2) of this Act.
13(1)Every temporary governing body shall furnish to the local education authority such reports in connection with the discharge of their functions as the authority may require (either on a regular basis or from time to time).
(2)Every temporary governing body shall make such reports and returns, and give such information, to the Secretary of State as he may require for the purpose of the exercise of his functions in relation to education.
(3)Every temporary governing body shall prepare—
(a)immediately before the arrangement under which they are constituted comes to an end; and
(b)for the purpose of assisting the governing body who will succeed them;
a brief report of the action which they have taken in the discharge of their functions; and shall recommend (with reasons) persons who belong to the community served by the new school and who are, in the opinion of the temporary governing body, suitable for appointment as co-opted members of the governing body.
(4)Before making any recommendations under sub-paragraph (3) above, a temporary governing body shall consult representatives of the local business community.
(5)All minutes and papers of any temporary governing body, including the report prepared under sub-paragraph (3) above, shall be made available to their successors.
14(1)The head teacher of any new school for which a temporary governing body have been constituted shall furnish that body, or (as the case may be) the local education authority, with such reports in connection with the discharge of his functions as that body or authority may require (either on a regular basis or from time to time).
(2)Where, under sub-paragraph (1) above, any requirement is imposed by a local education authority on the head teacher of a new school which will be an aided school, the authority shall notify the temporary governing body of that requirement; and the head teacher of any such school shall furnish that body with a copy of any report which he makes in complying with any such requirement.
15(1)The head teacher of any new school for which a temporary governing body have been constituted shall, in preparing to discharge his functions in relation to the curriculum for the school, consult that body and the local education authority.
(2)Any authority who have been consulted under this paragraph shall inform the head teacher of the resources which are likely to be made available to the school; and the head teacher shall have regard to any information so given to him.
16(1)Pending the coming into force of the articles of government for a new school which will be a county or controlled school—
(a)the dates at which the school terms and holidays are to begin and end shall be determined by the local education authority; and
(b)the times at which the school session or, if there is more than one, each school session is to begin and end on any day shall be determined by the temporary governing body after consultation with the authority.
(2)Pending the coming into force of the articles of government for a new school which will be an aided school—
(a)the dates and times at which the school terms and holidays are to begin and end; and
(b)the times at which the school session or, if there is more than one, each school session is to begin and end on any day;
shall be determined by the temporary governing body.
17Pending the coming into force of the articles of government for a new school which will be a county, voluntary or maintained special school, the head teacher and the temporary governing body shall be under the same duties as will be required to be imposed on him and the governing body by virtue of section 22(a) to (e) of this Act.
18Where a temporary governing body have been constituted for any new school, the local education authority shall consult that body and the head teacher on their proposed expenditure on books, equipment and stationery for the school.
19(1)The initial arrangements for the admission of pupils to a new school shall be made—
(a)where the school will be a county or controlled school, by the local education authority; and
(b)where it will be an aided school, by the temporary governing body or, where that body have not been constituted and the promoters consider that it is expedient for the arrangements to be determined without delay, by the promoters.
(2)Any person making any initial arrangements under this paragraph shall have regard to the arrangements in force for the admission of pupils to comparable schools in the area of the local education authority.
(3)Before making any such initial arrangements for a new school which will be a county school, the authority shall consult the temporary governing body unless—
(a)that body have not been constituted; and
(b)the authority consider that it is expedient for the initial arrangements to be determined without delay.
(4)Before making any such initial arrangements for a new school which will be a controlled school, the authority shall consult—
(a)the temporary governing body; or
(b)where that body have not been constituted, the promoters.
(5)Before making any such initial arrangements for a new school which will be an aided school, the temporary governing body or (as the case may be) the promoters shall consult the authority.
(6)Sections 6 to 8 of the 1980 Act (admission to schools) shall have effect, in relation to any new school, as if the references to governors included references to the person responsible for the admission of pupils under the initial arrangements for that school.
20(1)For the purposes of the appointment and dismissal of staff at any new school which will be an aided school, the local education authority and the temporary governing body shall (subject to sub-paragraph (2) below) have the same powers, and be under the same duties, as would the authority and the governing body for an aided school whose articles of government provided for—
(a)staff employed solely in connection with the provision of school meals to be appointed by the authority; and
(b)other staff employed at the school to be appointed by the governing body.
(2)The first appointment of a clerk to the temporary governing body of any such school shall be made by the promoters.
(3)Where the arrangement for the constitution of a temporary governing body of any such school comes to an end, the person who was the clerk to that body shall act as clerk to the governing body who succeed them, pending the appointment of their clerk.
(4)The authority shall, with a view to enabling staff to be appointed in good time, notify the temporary governing body of every such school of the steps (if any) which they intend to take in respect of the school under sections 22(4) and 24(2) of the 1944 Act (powers of authority in relation to certain staff).
(5)Paragraphs 21 to 25 and 26 (1) and (2) below shall not apply in relation to any such school.
21(1)Where a temporary governing body have been constituted for a new school, the complement of teaching and non-teaching posts for the school shall be determined by the local education authority.
(2)Section 34(2) and (3) of this Act shall apply in relation to any complement determined under this paragraph.
22(1)Whenever a selection panel is required by virtue of paragraph 23 or 25 below, it shall be constituted in accordance with this paragraph.
(2)A selection panel shall consist of such number of persons appointed to it by the local education authority, and such number of temporary governors appointed to it by the temporary governing body, as the authority shall determine.
(3)The number so determined shall—
(a)in each case, be not less than three; and
(b)in relation to appointments made by the temporary governing body, be not less than the number determined in relation to appointments made by the authority.
(4)The temporary governing body and the authority shall have power to replace, at any time, any member of a selection panel whom they have appointed.
(5)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision, for the purposes of this paragraph, as to the meetings and proceedings of selection panels.
23(1)Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) below, the same provision shall apply in relation to the appointment of a head teacher for a new school for which a temporary governing body have been constituted as is required to be made in relation to the appointment of a head teacher by the articles of government of a school to which section 37 of this Act applies.
(2)Where—
(a)two or more schools are to be discontinued (“the discontinued schools”); and
(b)the registered pupils at those schools, or a substantial number of those pupils, are expected to transfer to a new school;
the local education authority may, in consultation with the temporary governing body, appoint one of the head teachers of the discontinued schools as the first head teacher for the new school, instead of following the procedure mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above.
(3)In the event of the post of head teacher for the new school being vacant, the authority may, if they think fit, appoint an acting head teacher after consulting the temporary governing body.
24(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the same provision shall apply in relation to the appointment of any person to a post which is part of the complement of a new school for which a temporary governing body have been constituted as is required to be made in relation to the appointment of any person to such a post by the articles of government of a school to which section 38 of this Act applies.
(2)The local education authority shall consult the temporary governing body and the head teacher before appointing any person to work solely at the school otherwise than—
(a)in a teaching post;
(b)in a non-teaching post which is part of the complement of the school; or
(c)solely in connection with either or both of the following—
(i)the provision of meals;
(ii)the supervision of pupils at midday.
(3)This paragraph does not apply in relation to the appointment of a head teacher or deputy head teacher or to any temporary appointment pending—
(a)the return to work of the holder of the post in question; or
(b)the taking of any steps required by this Schedule in relation to the vacancy in question.
25Where a temporary governing body have been constituted for a new school, the provision which is to apply in relation to the appointment of a deputy head teacher of the school shall be—
(a)the same as that which may be made in the articles of government of a school to which section 39 of this Act applies by virtue of subsection (1)(a) of that section; or
(b)where the local education authority so decide, the same as that which may be made in the articles of government of such a school by virtue of subsection (1)(b) of section 39.
26(1)Where a temporary governing body have been constituted for a new school, the clerk to the temporary governing body shall be appointed by the local education authority.
(2)Where the arrangement for the constitution of a temporary governing body of any new school comes to an end, the person who was the clerk to that body shall act as clerk to the governing body who succeed them, pending the appointment of a clerk under section 40 of this Act.
(3)Where the clerk to a temporary governing body fails to attend any meeting of theirs, they may appoint one of their number to act as clerk for the purposes of that meeting, but without prejudice to his position as a temporary governor.
27Section 58 of this Act shall apply in relation to the members of temporary governing bodies as it applies in relation to the members of governing bodies of county, voluntary and maintained special schools.
28Where a temporary governing body are constituted for a new school, the local education authority shall be under the same duty to defray the expenses incurred in relation to the temporary governing body, and the staff appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule, as they would be if the relevant proposal had been implemented and the temporary governing body were the governing body of the school.
29For the purposes of the following provisions of the 1944 Act—
(a)section 67(1) (determination of disputes);
(b)section 68 (prevention of unreasonable exercise of functions); and
(c)section 99(1) and (2) (default);
a temporary governing body shall be treated as if they were the governing body of the school in question.
30(1)Every local education authority shall secure that the temporary governing body of each of the new schools which will be maintained by them are, on being constituted, provided (free of charge) with such explanatory and other information as the authority consider is required to enable that body to discharge their functions effectively.
(2)Where a new school will be a county, controlled or maintained special school, the authority shall, in discharging their duty under sub-paragraph (1) above, inform the temporary governing body, in particular—
(a)of the number of members of any selection panel required by virtue of paragraph 23 or 25 above who are to be appointed by the authority and the number who are to be appointed by the temporary governing body;
(b)where the authority intend to exercise the power conferred on them by paragraph 23(2) above, of their intention to do so;
(c)of the provision which is to apply in relation to the appointment of the deputy head teacher of the school;
(d)of the complement of staff for the school; and
(e)of the authority’s proposals with regard to the appointment of staff for the school and the timing of appointments.
(3)Where a new school will be an aided school, the authority shall, in discharging their duty under sub-paragraph (1) above, inform the temporary governing body, in particular, of their proposals with regard to the appointment of staff for the school and the timing of appointments.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F111 Schs. 1-3 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Section 67 (4).
F1241U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F124Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2 and 5 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
F1252U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F125Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2 and 5 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
3U.K.In section 4(5) of the Education Act 1962 (meaning of “training” in relation to grants for training of teachers) for “section 2 and 3” there shall be substituted “section 2”.
4U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F126
Textual Amendments
F1275U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F127Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2 and 5 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
6U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F128
Textual Amendments
7U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F129
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
F130Sch. 5 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt. I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
1(1)Section 1 of this Act shall not require the making of an instrument of government for any aided or special agreement school in respect of which there is in force, at the time when that section comes into force, and continues in force, an instrument under which its governing body is constituted; but this paragraph shall cease to apply to any such school if it is grouped with another school under section 9 of this Act.
(2)Any such instrument shall, after the commencement of section 1, be treated for the purposes of this Act as having been made by order under that section.
2Where a local education authority propose to group two or more schools which are subject to an arrangement under section 3 of the 1980 Act (the “section 3 schools”), the references in subsections (5) and (6) of section 10 of this Act to the governing body of each of the schools concerned shall be construed as references to the persons deemed to be governors of the section 3 schools by section 3(7) of the 1980 Act.
3(1)The governing body for any county, controlled or maintained special school which is constituted under an instrument of government or arrangement in force immediately before section 1 of this Act comes into force shall recommend (with reasons) to any governing body who will succeed them persons who belong to the community served by the school and who are, in their opinion, suitable for appointment as co-opted members of their successor.
(2)Before making any recommendations under sub-paragraph (1) above, a governing body shall consult representatives of the local business community.
Textual Amendments
F131Sch. 6 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(2)(3), 583(2), Sch. 38 Pt.I, Sch. 39(with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)
Chapter | Short title | Extent of repeal |
---|---|---|
7 & 8 Geo. 6. c. 31. | The Education Act 1944. | Section 4. |
Section 5. | ||
Sections 17 to 21. | ||
Section 23. | ||
Section 24(1). | ||
In section 27(3), from “but before” to end. | ||
In section 67(2), the words from “or whether” to “another”. | ||
1962 c. 12. | The Education Act 1962. | In section 3, paragraph (a) and from “in the case of” to “this section”. |
In section 4(3), “(a) or”. | ||
1963 c. 33. | The London Government Act 1963. | In section 31, subsections (7)(a) and (8). |
1966 c. 42. | The Local Government Act 1966. | In Schedule 5, paragraph 6. |
1968 c. 37. | The Education (No. 2) Act 1968. | Section 2. |
In section 3(2), the words “or subsection (4) of section 2”. | ||
1980 c. 20. | The Education Act 1980. | Section 2. |
Section 3. | ||
Section 4. | ||
Sections 31 and 32. | ||
In section 35(1), the words from “(other” to “(b))”. | ||
Schedule 6. | ||
1980 c. 44. | The Education (Scotland) Act 1980. | Section 23(5) to (7). |
1980 c. 65. | The Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. | Section 68(5). |
Number | Name of instrument | Extent of revocation |
---|---|---|
S.I. 1970/1 536. | The Transfer of Functions (Wales) Order 1970. | Article 4. |
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