Annual School and Trust Governance Survey 2026
Share your views to help shape the future of education policy and give the governance community a voice.
Now in its 16th year, NGA’s Annual Governance Survey (AGS) offers a unique window into the views and experiences of school and trust governing boards. The biggest survey of its kind, the AGS enables us to reflect on where governors and trustees are making the greatest impact, where they need more support, and what the education landscape looks like through their eyes.
We expect this year’s survey to take the total number of responses from the governance community to over 60,000 across its 16-year history. And, for the first time, it will capture the voice of governance professionals.
What’s new this year?
- Governance professionals are now eligible to complete the survey and we're excited to gather their unique perspectives on selected topics.
- Looking back – This year, we are not only reflecting on the past few years of the survey; we are looking all the way back to our first survey in 2011. By revisiting some of the same questions and topics we first asked over a decade ago, we can map how school governance has evolved.
- £500 incentive – Those who complete the survey can choose to be entered into a draw to win a £500 book voucher for their school or trust. We hope this incentive serves as a small recognition of the time, expertise and dedication those involved in governance contribute to the education sector.
This year's survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and insights.
Coming soon: the 2026 Annual Governance Survey report
We are now analysing the responses and will publish a report highlighting the key findings, trends and insights from this year's survey. The report will explore topics including:
- Are schools ready to deliver on the government’s inclusion ambition?
- Is Ofsted’s ambition for change becoming reality?
- What are the biggest issues facing schools and trusts when trying to recruit and retain staff?
- What does it mean to govern locally in a MAT right now?
- Who are the people shaping governance in 2026?
- Are governors and trustees embracing AI?
The strength of AGS has always come from the willingness of those involved in governance sharing their experiences openly and honestly. We are grateful to everyone who contributed this year and look forward to sharing the findings with the sector soon.