A headteacher delegates preparation of the school timetable to a senior teacher. Which statement about accountability is correct?

Correct answer: Final accountability remains with the headteacher. Authority can be delegated, but accountability cannot, so final accountability stays with the headteacher.

• Authority and accountability transfer completely to the senior teacher. Accountability does not transfer completely along with authority.
• Accountability transfers while authority remains with the headteacher. This reverses the principle: authority is delegated, accountability is not.
• The headteacher retains authority while the senior teacher bears final accountability. The senior teacher cannot bear final accountability for a task the headteacher delegated.