ABSTRACT
Being effective means having an effect-making a difference. Research tells us that some schools are more effective than others, i.e. that pupils attending those schools achieve more than pupils attending apparently similar schools. Research also identifies factors that appear to be common to these effective schools. There has been less research into the effectiveness of governing bodies, but what there has been suggests that governing bodies also vary in their effectiveness. However, governors generally want to do a job that is worthwhile and are much more likely to remain on the governing body if they feel that they have a role to play in making a difference. ‘When the governors and head are engaging with the quality issues that matter for the school, such active participation generates positive feelings for all who work there’ (Holt and Hinds 1994:17).
