
The Power of Governance
Emma Knights(Author)
Hachette Learning (Publisher)
Published on 4. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-0360-0528-3 (ISBN)
Description
Emma Knights explores who has the power, who makes the decisions, whose voices are heard and how accountability works in England's state school system. Putting a microscope on governance, she examines what good governance looks like and how far it has been achieved. The introduction of multi academy trusts without a plan for governance led to a reshaping of the sector by accident, not design. Building on learning from leading the National Governance Association for 14 years, Emma documents what this change meant for governors, trustees, trust executives, school leaders and the regulators.
The Power of Governance presents the challenges faced and what the future could look like to ensure the legitimate stewardship of our schools.
The Power of Governance presents the challenges faced and what the future could look like to ensure the legitimate stewardship of our schools.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Primary & secondary/elementary & high school
Interest Age: From 18 to 100 years
Dimensions
Height: 147 mm
Width: 210 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
508 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0360-0528-3 (9781036005283)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Emma Knights OBE was chief executive of the National Governance Association from 2010 to 2024, growing its services and the understanding of school and trust governance. She had the privilege of representing the voices of school governors and academy trustees across England. Before NGA, Emma worked in third sector organisations, always aiming to support people from disadvantaged backgrounds with advocacy, access to civil rights and entitlements, and by tackling child poverty or encouraging early education. She continues to govern and now chairs a local environmental charity, Action21.