Governing the School

Beacon Hill School Council

Beacon Hill School is a part of the English Schools Foundation and as such is subject to the policies and the rules and regulations of the ESF. Within that framework, the Beacon Hill School Council has responsibility for the life and the work of the School.

Subject to the overall control of the ESF Board of Governors (“the Board”) and the ESF educational framework, the School Council has the following responsibilities within the school:

• to establish, with the Principal, the strategic direction of the School
• to monitor the provision of education to ensure it meets the needs of our students
• to approve the curriculum
• to secure the efficient use of resources and to approve the School’s budget
• to report to the Board and parents on the performance of the School
• to consider for approval the Principal’s proposals for the appointment or promotion of staff
• to ensure the implementation of effective procedures for the management, development and support of the staff
• together with the Chief Executive Officer, to appraise the performance of the Principal of the school
• to advise the Chief Executive Officer and the Board on issues affecting the school
• to contribute to the strategic development of the Foundation
• with the Chief Executive Officer of ESF, to design and implement a process for the selection of the Principal of the school

The School Council is also involved in the resolution of any disputes within the School.

The Council delegates responsibility to the Principal for the day-to-day administration of the School.

The BHS Council has 10 members, comprised of the following:-

a Chairman, appointed by the Board, who is neither an employee of ESF nor the parent of a student at the School

• 2 persons from the general community who are neither employees of ESF nor parents of students at the School, appointed by the Board;
• 2 persons elected by members of the teaching staff of BHS from among their own number;
• 2 parents who are not employees of ESF, one elected by the parent members of our PTA committee and one elected by the parents of the School;
• 1 person elected by the support staff of BHS from among their own number;
• the Chief Executive Officer of ESF, or her appointed delegate;
• the Principal;

The Council normally meets 5 times each year - twice in Term 1, once in Term 2 and twice in Term 3. The timing of meetings might vary, depending on circumstances, and additional meetings may be held if urgent issues arise.

Minutes of School Council meetings are available to parents for inspection at the School office.

The School Council works in close partnership with the School. If parents or staff have concerns, complaints or suggestions on any area of the School management or operation, the Council Chairman and members are available to discuss and will refer the matter to the Council if necessary.

Parents are reminded that the correct channels for communication with the School are first to discuss issues with your child’s teacher. If there are still matters of concern then these should be brought to the attention of the Principal. If you are not satisfied, then you are welcome to contact a Councillor or the Chairman.

The School Council is here to work with all parties within the School. If you would like to know more about any aspect of the Council’s work and responsibilities, you are welcome to contact the Chairman.

Council members will regularly attend School functions. Please seek them out and introduce yourselves. They will be usually be identified with a name badge.

Mike Tanner

Chairman, Beacon Hill School Council

Telephone 91031139
Email - mike.tanner@bhs.edu.hk