ASCL Council elections

The greatest strength of ASCL is that it is run by members, for members. Our policymaking body is formed from a group of elected members collectively known as Council. All categories of member are represented, and the ratio of Council representatives to members is more generous in ASCL than in any of the other professional associations. This democratic base is fundamental to serving our diverse membership and is essential to our continuing success and effectiveness.

ASCL Council consists of over 60 elected ASCL members. The main purpose of Council is to determine our position on key policy issues. These positions are then used by the Presidential Trio, General Secretary and policy team to engage with ministers and civil servants, and by our public relations team in our messaging to the media.

Council meets three times during the academic year. A Council meeting consists of plenary sessions, debates on ‘hot’ topics, a forum session with a visiting speaker or speakers, and attendance at one of five committees. 

A number of vacancies for members to represent particular regions, sectors or roles on Council will become available from September 2026, to serve four-year terms. 

We would like to invite ASCL members in the relevant regions, sectors or roles to nominate themselves for these posts by completing and submitting one of the forms available via the links below. In the event of there being more nominations than there are vacancies in a particular region, sector or role, an election will be held.

The vacancies are as follows:

• North West: 2 vacancies
• North East: 1 vacancy
• Yorkshire and the Humber: 1 vacancy
• East of England: 1 vacancy
• South East: 2 vacancies
• South West: 1 vacancy
• London: 1 vacancy
• Primary Sector representative: 1 vacancy
• Post-16 and Further Education (FE) representative: 1 vacancy

We would particularly welcome nominations from people from groups currently under-represented on ASCL Council, including women, representatives of BAME and LGBT+ communities, assistant and deputy heads, and leaders based in early years, primary or FE settings.

Forms should be emailed to counciladmin@ascl.org.uk no later than 12pm on Monday 16 March 2026.

If you have any questions, either about the nomination process or about Council membership, please contact Hayley Dunn, Director of Finance, IT and Governance.