Governing bodies have a wide range of responsibilities and powers. They:

. help to raise standards of pupil achievement 
. plan the school's future direction 
. appoint the head teacher and deputies 
. make decisions on the school's budget and staffing 
. establish and implement a performance management policy for appraising all staff 
. make sure the national curriculum is taught 
. set appropriate targets for pupil achievement at Key Stages 1 and 2 
. report national curriculum assessments and examination results to parents 
. decide how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development 
. make sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs 
. are accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community 
. draw up an action plan after an Ofsted inspection 

Each school faces its own unique challenges and so does each governing body. The governing body has to make many decisions and the Government is committed to enabling each governing body to choose ways of working that suit it and the school best.

Governing bodies have a duty to conduct their school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. In pursuing this duty a good governing body will ensure that the school has in place an effective process for reviewing performance, identifying priorities, taking action, and monitoring progress — all with a view to raising standards.