How often to run elections
Your board can choose when in the year elections take place.
Boards of trustees
Academy trust boards are required to hold elections every school year.
Maintained schools
It's up to your board to decide, as there's no requirement for how long a chair or vice-chair's term of office should be. Check your standing orders as they may specify a time.
The maintained schools governance guide suggests that chairs could consider stepping down after 2 terms of office (8 years) (section 4.5.2). This would allow more governors to gain skills and experience as chair.
Many maintained school boards choose to elect a new chair and vice-chair every year.
Clearly record the terms of office in your board's minutes.
Use our flowchart
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