Local Governors are a valued part of the GDST structure. Their role is to foster excellence in the school they serve, and to help develop its strategies and plans in line with the GDST’s policies. They are also there to support the Head, to advise on the effective use of available resources and to help maintain the school’s first-class reputation in the local community.

GDST Local Governors get to know the school, staff, pupils and its culture, supporting school events, developing a good working relationship with the Head, and acting as a sounding board for any issues the Head wishes to raise. They are a channel of communication between the school and the local community, including parents, the media and influential decision makers.

Their responsibilities differ from those of Governors of most other independent schools, and also from specialist or other state-funded schools. The GDST Council (as Trustees) hold the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the running of all our schools.

A Governors’ meeting is held at least once a term, and they elect their own Chairman every two years. The GDST is extremely grateful to its Local Governors for the time and energy they put into maintaining our ideals to be carried through to the next generation.