AGBIS

Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools

In the early 1940s the governing bodies of boys' and girls' "public" schools formed two associations.  They were to advance education in the independent sector by discussing matters of policy and practice, giving advice to schools in membership, considering their relationships with the wider educational community and taking action as necessary, in the interests of their members.

The Governing Bodies Association (GBA) and The Governing Bodies of Girls' Schools Association (GBGSA) remained true to these purposes into the new millennium.  Having worked in parallel for several decades, they came together fully in June 2002 to form the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS).

Following the merger of the two Associations, there has been continuing progress in work to promote best practice in governance.  A Girls' Schools Sub-Committee meets as required to discuss issues of interest and concern to the girls' school membership; to maintain a working relationship with the Girls' Schools Association; and to report and make recommendations to the Executive Committee.

The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools has in recent years, welcomed a growing number of Preparatory and Junior Schools into membership and the number of governing bodies who benefit from AGBIS membership steadily increases.