Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Governors' Briefing Pack

23 f. What support is there for schools who are recruiting governors? The usual sources/pools are explored and there is also support from the ODBST to recruit suitable governors. g. Would it be possible for a governor from one of the existing ODBST schools to attend a Full Governing Body meeting to inform us of theprocess and the pros and cons of the ODBST academy? We can provide you with a listing of Chairs of Governors at other schools and you would be welcome to contact any of them. Please contact us for more information. h. Who has the power to close an academy? There is a strict legal process to close a school, which is greater for church schools, as it requires the involvement and consent of the Diocese. For all schools there would need to be a public consultation to explain the actions of the trust. There are a numbers of other possible ways an academy could shut. i. The Academy Trust (and the DfE) could give 7 years notice to terminate the funding agreement without any specific reason. ii. If the DfE, was unhappy with the educational (or financial standards) in the Academy they could terminate the funding agreement (and thereby force closure) after issuing appropriate warnings. iii. After receipt of the annual funding letter, the Academy Trust could give notice to terminate the funding agreement at the end of the financially critical year if the funding could make the school insolvent - after taking into account any resources available from other schools in the Trust.