School Standards and Framework Act 1998

Powers of governing body

3 (1) The governing body may do anything which appears to them to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the conduct of the school.

(2) The governing body may in particular—

(a) borrow such sums as the governing body think fit and, in connection with such borrowing, grant any mortgage, charge or other security over any land or other property of the governing body;

(b) acquire and dispose of land and other property;

(c) enter into contracts;

(d) invest any sums not immediately required for the purposes of carrying on any activities they have power to carry on;

(e) accept gifts of money, land or other property and apply it, or hold and administer it on trust, for any of those purposes; and

(f) do anything incidental to the conduct of the school.

(3) The power to borrow sums and grant security mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(a) may only be exercised with the written consent—

(a) of the Secretary of State, or

(b) if an order under sub-paragraph (4) so provides, of the local education authority;

and any such consent may be given for particular borrowing or for borrowing of a particular class.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for his function of giving consent under sub-paragraph (3) to be instead exercisable—

(a) in the case of all maintained schools, or

(b) in the case of any class of such schools specified in the order,

by the local education authorities by whom those schools are maintained.

(5) In exercising that function those authorities shall comply with any directions contained in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(6) Where the school is a foundation, voluntary aided or foundation special school, the power to enter into contracts mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(c) includes power to enter into contracts for the employment of teachers and other staff; but no such contracts may be entered into by the governing body of a community, voluntary controlled or community special school.

(7) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) have effect subject to—

(a) any provisions of the school’s instrument of government; and

(b) any provisions of a scheme under section 48 which relates to the school.