Academy Council

Waycroft Academy is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust that is responsible for a number of academies across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Gloucester and Somerset. Governance for a multi-academy trust operates at two levels. At trust level, there is a Board of Directors. The directors are accountable to the Department for Education and external government agencies, including the Charity Commission, for the quality of the education the trust provides and the effective use of the associated academy funding. They are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of quality, financial probity, safety and good practice. The Board is provided assurance on a number of these areas through various sub-committees, as shown in the diagram below. Visit the CLF website for more information about the board.

At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 9 Academy Councillors. Academy Councils are responsible for holding Principals and their leadership teams to account for the quality and effectiveness of the academic experience of the students under their care with the aim of securing effective school improvement. They do this through monitoring performance against an annual academy improvement plan, through monitoring risks and responses to risks, and by overseeing systems and processes for the safeguarding of children and the health, safety and wellbeing of academy staff.

Co-Chairs of Academy Council

Joseph Fox-Bowen, Chair of Academy Council

I have lived in Stockwood all my life and I attended Waycroft Academy as a child. It is a great privilege to serve as Chair of the Local Academy Council and the link councillor for Disadvantaged, including Pupil Premium and Children in Care.

I pursued the role of LAC because I wish to play a part in ensuring children receive a fantastic education, preparing them for the future and in-turn strengthening our community. I also wish to give back to the academy for the integral education received and the countless memories made during my time as a pupil.

I am also a Parish Councillor in Whitchurch Village and a student at university, wishing to dedicate my life and career to public service.

Academy Council Members

Mr Paul Blenkinsopp, Parent Councillor

I have lived in Stockwood for over 13 years and both of my children attend Waycroft Academy. I worked in further education for over 15 years, teaching and tutoring on courses ranging from Level 1 to Level 6. I have a keen interest in teaching, learning and assessment and physical education and I am looking forward to being able to share my experiences and support Waycroft Academy through my link roles for Safeguarding and Sports Premium.

Mr Chris George, Local Academy Councillor

My journey in the education and skills sector started over 15 years ago, in which time I have worked as a learning support worker, teacher, coordinator, manager and senior leader. In my current role as National Skills Manager, I have responsibility for Skills and Training provisions in the sectors of Early Years, Careers Information, Advice and Guidance, English, Maths, Employability and Digital Skills. Part of my role is to focus on growth of which I work closely with the Business Development Team on various procurement opportunities.

In my previous senior leadership role in Further Education, I was responsible for Apprenticeships, Adult Skills, Business Development and Employer Engagement. Before these two roles I worked as a Maths teacher and learning support worker for a number of years. During my time as a teacher, I learned both the challenges and strong positive impact that can be made in this sector and value the time that I had doing this very much.

Mrs Catherine Bennett, Local Academy Councillor

I have proudly called Stockwood home for over a decade, with both of my children currently attending Waycroft Academy. With more than six years in the education sector, including five years serving in the Waycroft Academy school office, I bring a deep understanding of our school community and the needs of students, staff, and families alike. Now, as an Executive Assistant at Trust in Learning Academies, another Bristol-based multi-academy trust, I am dedicated to supporting the continual improvement of the academy and advocating for investment in the talented staff working within our schools.

I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to Waycroft Academy through my role within the CLF governance structure and in my link role for Wellbeing.

Mrs Rachael Wright, Staff Councillor

I teach Year 6 at Waycroft Academy and I have been a teacher for nearly 25 years, receiving a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Natal, South Africa. Since qualifying, I have worked in three primary schools, a secondary school and a special provision setting. I have previously been a governor at Woodlands Academy and am currently in a senior leadership role at Totterdown Baptist Church. In all my roles and settings, I have always had a passion for teaching and the thinking behind successful learners. I hope, in my role as staff link governor for Assessment, I can contribute to the progress and attainment for all children at Waycroft Academy.