SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES - MANAGEMENT BOARDS OR SUPPORTERS CLUBS

The powers and responsibilities of school governing bodies in England and Wales have been steadily increased through legislation since the mid-1980s. The invigoration of the school governing body reflects two distinct political trends in the public sector-enhancing the role of clients in influencing the delivery of public services and developing alternatives to local government for rendering public accountability within new quasi-market structures. In the context of these developments this article reviews recent research on how school governing bodies are fulfilling their intended functions.