Governance Training and Support
We want to help schools benefit from the best leadership possible
For a school to thrive over the long term, and for the leaders of the school to perform to their best, there has to be excellent governance. That’s why we provide training and support for so many governing bodies, directors and owners of schools around the world.
There is no blueprint for excellent governance. Every school has a different history and culture. Every governor has different attributes and expertise. And every country and educational jurisdiction is different, too, with varying degrees of clarity about what good governance looks like.
Wherever your school is and whatever the governance challenges you face, we are here to help you. Whether your school is a registered charity, a not-for-profit ‘association’ in the eyes of the law, or an asset in a private portfolio of investments, our expert consultants can help the ‘governors’ add value. And whether governance duties are carried out by a 15-strong team of well-organised volunteers or by a single proprietor, our tailored and sensitive approach can ensure you benefit from our experience and knowledge.
Our team
Governance is led by Durell Barnes
Former Deputy Director and Head of Communications at the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) for over ten years, Durell previously spent over twenty years working in schools, latterly as deputy head. He works alongside a team of specialists with in-depth experience of school inspections, leadership and governance.
During his time at the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI), Durell was involved in the development of several new inspection frameworks. He liaised with the Department for Education, Ofsted, Local Authorities and schools about safeguarding issues and was responsible for quality assurance. He has been involved in the consultation about and quality assurance of the current framework in his role as chair of the ISBA inspections oversight committee. Durell was the keynote speaker on implementing the new inspection framework at the Westminster Education Forum conference on priorities for the independent sector in January 2024. He has been a governor of maintained, independent charitable and for profit and international schools. He was for several years the chair of the Independent Schools Examinations board, is a trustee of the Emmott Foundation and serves on the advisory board of Ivy House and The Wellbeing Hub.
Learn moreGovernors’ Update
FREE termly information service relevant to all UK schools
A regular update on current DfE, ISI and Ofsted initiatives alongside other national priorities in the UK. Receive high-quality executive summaries of key information with signposting to appropriate follow-up materials.
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Get in touch
Email Durell Barnes, Head of Governance & Compliance, at durellbarnes@rsacademics.com
Call Durell on +44 (0)1858 467449