The Board of Governors together with the School Administration is responsible for the formation of the school policies. It is generally concerned with all aspects connected with the welfare and development of the school. However, its function does not cover the appointment, transfer or promotion of the staff. The principal is the Secretary of the Board of Governors.

Four divisions are represented within the Board, each with at least three representatives. The divisions are as follows:

i.     The Board of Trustees

ii.    The Old Frees Association

iii. The Ministry of Education, State Education Department &

iv.   Parents

v.    Headmaster.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees manages the School Trust Funds. The Board is also responsible for the award of Trust Fund Scholarships. The Chairman of the Board is the Chief Minister of Penang and the Secretary of the Board is the Principal. The State Treasure is the Honorary Treasurer of the Board. The other members include the State Director of Education and the members appointed by the Board of Governors.

OLD FREES' ASSOCIATION (O.F.A)

The Old Frees' Association is the alumni's club. The objectives of the Association are to keep old pupils in

touch with the school, afford the social intercourse and generally further the interest of the school. The O.F.A building is situated in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah and its facilities available include tennis courts, billiards and table tennis tables and a hall for social functions. An Anniversary Dinner is held on October 21st to commemorate the founding of the school

The School and the Association vie the David Chong Cup (tennis, badminton, table tennis) and the Cheah Inn Kiong Cup (soccer, hockey, cricket) annually. A.P.F.S. – O.F.A. Liaison Committee exists to promote closer relationship between the School and the Association.

Sixth Formers of the School may apply for the O.F.A. Sesquicentenary Loan Fund to further their studies at the universities.

THE PARENTS – TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (PTA)

The Parents – Teachers Association of the Penang Free School was set up in March 1974. The Association was started with the hope of involving parents in and all round education of their children in school. The parents of all pupils of the school are automatically members of the PTA. The association aims at achieving the following:-

a) To ensure that the pupils of the school get the full benefit from their educational facilities.

b)  To ensure the pupils of the school have the necessary resources to do their schoolwork and homework.

c)  To create the best atmosphere as possible in the school so as to make it possible for the pupils to achieve spiritual,  
  moral, and mental and physical values.

d)  To hold forums on how to provide services for the welfare and progress of our pupils.

e)  To support and raise the school's effort in fulfilling the material needs of the students in their activities.

f)  To provide an opportunity for parents and teachers in the school to exchange views with one another, concerning
 ways of improving the academic standards of their children.

g) The Parent – Teachers Association works for the benefit of the pupils of the School.