Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase the ability of local communities to influence the governance of primary and secondary schools.

Mechanisms are in place to ensure that school governing bodies are connected with, and responsive to, the communities they serve. The Board of a maintained school must include at least two parent governors - elected where possible or otherwise appointed. Academy trusts are also required to elect at least two parent trustees, represented at Board level or on each local governing body at a multi-academy trust.

We are satisfied that these mechanisms allow local communities to contribute their views, influence decisions and play an active part in effective governance across the school system.