A federation is a formal governance arrangement where two or more maintained schools are governed by a single governing board. The federated governing board is accountable for all schools within the federation, whilst each school remains a separate legal entity. It is also possible for a school to join an existing federation.
The Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Education (CDBE) recognises that federation may provide an effective means of supporting collaboration, leadership capacity, governance sustainability and school improvement in some circumstances.
However, federation is not generally regarded as a long-term structural solution for Church schools. Governing boards considering federation should do so within the context of wider strategic planning for the future sustainability and organisational arrangements of their schools.
The Diocese has produced guidance for governing boards and school leaders on federation in Church schools. The document explains:
Download: Federation Guidance and Diocesan Process
Any federation involving one or more Church of England schools requires engagement with the CDBE. Governing boards are strongly encouraged to involve the Director of Education as early as possible so that appropriate advice and support can be provided throughout the process.
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