Governing bodies that consider joining or creating federations. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howarth, Eleanor
• Other Names: Simkins Tim guest-editor.; Woods Philip guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Management in education. Volume 29:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: executive head teachers -- federate -- federations -- governing bodies -- school governance -- school governing; School management and organization -- Periodicals; 371.2005
• DOI: 10.1177/0892020614559236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-0206

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a research study exploring what motivates governing bodies to consider joining or creating a federation, their experiences of the process and the barriers faced. The research methodology involved semi-structured telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews and analysis of relevant documentation. The varied circumstances of participating schools revealed a wide range of drivers for considering federation, which were commonly underpinned by school improvement, professional leadership and pooling resources. Although governors' experiences of the process of becoming a federation were largely positive, the study identified a number of common barriers. The study concludes that, despite the benefits of federation, unlike multi-academy trusts its relatively low profile in current education policy has created a barrier for governing bodies. It is recommended that the government provides the same level of guidance and support for schools considering federation as they do for those considering academization.