ABSTRACT
The history of the relationship between governors, LEAs and central government is one of change, particularly over the last fifty years. The role and significance of the governing body in the management of the school has changed significantly over the years, from a position of autonomy through subservience to the LEA and back again towards a greater degree of independence. In 1833 Parliament voted the first grant of public funds to education that was conditional upon schools being open to inspection and being administered under an approved scheme of management. Public funding thus demanded accountability, locally through boards of managers and centrally through inspection. LEAs were established as a result of the 1902 Education Act and their position was reinforced by the 1944 Education Act, which laid the foundations of ‘the national service locally administered’.
