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Appointing and re-appointing academy trustees: the rules

Understand the different categories of trustee and how each one is appointed. Find out the rules for co-opted, foundation/sponsor-appointed and parent trustees, as well as staff and associate members, and directors in church academy trusts.

Last reviewed on 23 April 2024
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 42102
Contents
  1. General rules
  2. Member-appointed trustees
  3. Parent trustees
  4. Foundation or sponsor-appointed trustees
  5. Directors in church academy trusts
  6. Co-opted trustees
  7. Staff trustees
  8. 'Associate members'

The information in this article is from the DfE's model articles of association. Double check your own in case they differ.

Find out more about how to recruit school governors and trustees.

General rules

  • The number of trustees who are employees of the trust can't be more than 1/3 of the total number of trustees
    • This includes the CEO/headteacher
    • It's explained in article 50B of the model articles and on page 57 of the Governance Handbook
  • For all trustee types, no more than 19.9% of your board can be LA associated, such as through current or previous employment
    • Previous employment means within the last 4 years
    • This is covered in article 139 of the model articles and on page 57 of the Governance Handbook

Member-appointed trustees

The figure specified in your articles includes your headteacher/CEO, if the members choose to

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