Governing board committee structures: pick the right one for you

Be clear on the pros and cons of different committee structures so you can choose the right monitoring method for your board, and see examples from schools.

Last reviewed on 4 February 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3693
Contents
  1. No committees – the circle model
  2. Standing committees
  3. Working parties

This article lays out the options available to you when it comes to how your board operates. If you're in a multi-academy trust and would like to change the way that your whole trust organises its governance, have a look at our article on developing a governance structure that works for your trust.

If you're thinking of making a change to your governance structure, read our chair’s guide to help you through the process. 

No committees – the circle model

Maintained school governing boards aren't required to have any committees. So some choose to operate without them – this is also known as the 'circle model'

Advantages   Disadvantages It's easier for the chair and headteacher to maintain strategic control of the agenda and decision-making   The chair and headteacher could have excessive