The Department for Education (DfE) determines PfS's performance framework in the light of wider departmental and cross-government strategic aims and Public Service Agreement (PSA).

The objectives, key performance indicators and targets of PfS are agreed within the annual corporate and business planning process. PfS produces monthly reports to the DfE Sponsor Team and the PfS Board on the performance of its functions described in the Business Plan. The annual reports and accounts, including a performance report against targets, are audited by external auditors.