They are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education Raising educational standards in school is now a key priority. This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Governors also promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies. They do this together with the head, who is responsible for the day to day management of the school. Heads are chosen by governors - and most heads choose to be governors themselves.
Every school has a governing body.
They may also include representatives from the church, charitable trust or business interests. Special schools may have health authority or voluntary organisation representatives. Governing bodies are responsible to parents, funders and the community. Numbers vary depending on the school's type or size. Appointments are for four years.