About this guidance

This is statutory guidance from the Department. This means that recipients must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools in England.

This guidance refers to the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007 (Si 2007/957) known as the ‘constitution regulations’. The regulations set out the arrangements for the constitution of the governing body of maintained schools:

  • formed prior to 1 September 2012; and
  • where there is no change to the instrument of government after that date.

There are four guidance documents, covering:

  • community and community special schools;
  • foundation and foundation special schools;
  • voluntary aided schools; and
  • maintained nursery schools.

Please ensure you read the version appropriate for your school. For governing bodies that are formed or change their instrument of government after 1 September 2012, please read statutory guidance on the school governance (constitution) regulations 2012.

Expiry/review date

This guidance will be kept under review and updated as necessary.

What legislation does this guidance relate to?

The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007

Who is this guidance for?

This guidance is aimed at:

  • school governors;
  • school leaders and other school staff;
  • local authorities; and
  • governor organisations and other organisations with an interest.

This guidance applies to maintained schools only.