Strong governance is a key part of a successful school. Every governing board, no matter the type, educational phase or size of the organisation, has three core functions as set out in the Department for Education (DfE) Governance Handbook:

1. ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

2. holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff

3. overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.