ATS schools, by definition and by nature, are run by Governing Bodies who are the Responsible Authority for that school. Membership of the Board of Governors will be made up of parents and non-parents alike; parents on the Board can ensure current needs are being catered for while nonparents can ensure no personal agendas are being pursued.

Each ATS school will also have a School Development Committee (with varying titles, according to each particular school) made up of members of the parent body. The primary responsibilities of this group are to support the school staff, develop a welcoming and positive climate for all parents, raise funds for the school and act in an advisory role as a forum for parental input and communication.

In 2012 the ATS instituted the Association of Trust Schools Parents’ association as a means to allow the voice of the parents to be heard at national level.