This chapter investigates parental and community influence as exercised on running schools. Decentralisation is bringing decision-making closer to the local and school levels, but countries differ in the extent to which parents are regarded as partners or external to the school. The country evidence shows that formal opportunities of involvement are not necessarily translated into actual influence. Many parents complain that their views are sought only on practical issues. Parental engagement tends to decline as their children grow older and even some countries with high reported parental interest are finding declining involvement over time.