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Governance

The TSAT Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are three elements to the governance of the TSAT academies; local governance which is delivered via the Academy Governing Board (AGB), a Regional Review and Assurance Board (RAB) which ensures local governance is effective, and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust Board of Directors.

There is an Academy Governing Board for each school (or small cluster of schools) which consists of a group of 8-11 governors made up of the Headteacher, Parents, Staff, Trust link staff and Community members who are appointed with the skills needed to fulfil the responsibilities of the AGB. Governors are elected for a term of 4 years and meet a minimum of 6 times a year.

The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Body are to:

  • Hold Academy leadership to account for schools’ academic performance, quality of care and provision;
  • Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and priorities are delivered within the Academy;
  • Oversee and monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and implementation of the School Improvement Plan;
  • Ensure consideration is given to stakeholder voices in strategic decision-making and policy setting;
  • Have involvement in the performance management of the Headteacher via the AGB Chair’s inclusion in annual professional growth reviews.

The AGB Members for Plymouth High School for Girls are:

Name Link Role Start of Term Length of term Appointed by Business Interest End of Term
Roger Burnett

Risk and Compliance

STEM

01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 31/08/2028
Michael Freeman Safeguarding and Attendance
Pupil and Parental engagement, Marketing and Comms
01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors   31/08/2028
Julie Johns Recruitment, diversity, workload and wellbeing 01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 31/08/2028
Catherine Lewin Careers
6th Form
01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 31/08/2028
Victoria Sargeant SEND and Equality
Pupil and Parental engagement, Marketing and comms
01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors   31/08/2028
Rachel Will Pupil Premium 01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 31/08/2028
Simon Underdown Headteacher   N/A   None  

Stepped Down
Peter Storey   01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 12/09/2024
Michael May   01/09/2024 4 years Board of Directors None 08/11/2024

 

To explore Governor vacancies available within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, please visit our recruitment website or email governance@tsatrust.org.uk.

 

More information about the AGB and governance across the Thinking School Academy Trust can be found at:
http://www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/