Bluecoat Meres Academy is a member school of The West Grantham Academies Trust.
The Board of Directors is responsible for all decisions made within the academy and has a clear role in the on-going strategic development of the Trust.
Although there are many similarities between the governing bodies of Local Authority maintained schools and academies, there are also important differences. As independent schools, academies are set up as charitable companies to give sponsors and governors broader scope and responsibility for ethos, strategic direction and challenge. For example, in academies, governors have responsibility for:
- Employment of academy staff
- The appointment of Headteachers and senior leaders
- Administration of the academies’ finances
- Authorisation of any appointments or changes to terms and conditions
- Approval of personnel policies and procedures
Unlike Local Authority schools, academies have a broader responsibility for their strategic direction, ethos and leadership. The Trust’s Board of Directors, therefore, has a key role in driving up standards since it is able to challenge traditional thinking.
The Board of Directors acts as The Trust’s “critical friend” by challenging and supporting The Senior Leadership Team. The Board of Directors holds the Team to account, ensuring that it is answerable to parents. At the same time, The Trust is committed to its local community and is working hard to build good relationships and offer its facilities to the public.
Directors offer their time voluntarily and are unpaid for their work. As a team, they offer a wide range of qualities and experience from different backgrounds to collectively uphold The Trust and provide a link with the community.
The Board is led by the Chair of the Board, supported by the Vice-chair. The Board includes co-opted, Foundation, parent and staff Directors.
| Name | Type of appointment | Date of appointment/resignation | Term of office | Business/pecuniary interests declared | Committee and Responsibility | Attendance 2018/19 | Attendance 2019/20 |
| Jackie Waters-Dewhurst | Co-opted | Resigned 23 January 2020 | Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education, CEO Lincoln Anglican Academies Trust and Director of Lincoln Anglican Academies Trust | 3/3 | |||
| Andy Child | Co-opted | 6 November 2019 | 4 years | Nexus MAT and Thrybergh Academy and Sports College | Staff Committee and SEND | 5/7 (3/3) | |
| Jayne Robb | Foundation | Resigned 17 December 2019 | 4/5 | 2/3 | |||
| Mike Adnitt (Chair) | Foundation | 25 September 2019 | 4 years | Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education, Withington Trust, The St Lawrence Academy | Safeguarding | 8/8 | |
| Stuart Ellam | Foundation | 25 September 2019 | 4 years | Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival | Quality of Curriculum and Education | 7/8 | |
| Ann Treacy | Member | Resigned 4 February 2020 | 2/4 | ||||
| Tony Wood | Member | 26 September 2019 | 4 years | The St Lawrence Academy | Staff Committee | 8/8 (3/3) | |
| David Williams | Member | Resigned 14 July 2020 | 2/7 | ||||
| Josh Greaves | Member | 6 November 2019 | 4 years | Opening Doors Greenacre and Springahead CIC | Staff Committee and Health and Safety | 5/7 (3/3) | |
| Grace Morton | Co-opted | 24 January 2020 | 4 years | Attendance and Behaviour | 5/5 | 8/8 | |
| Lee Hulse | Staff | End of term 15 May 2020 | 4/4 | 4/4 | |||
| Mark Fowle | CEO | 13 November 2019 | 6/6 (3/3) | ||||
| Andrew Kidd | Staff | 30 January 2020 | 4 years |
You can contact the Chair of the West Grantham Academies Trust Chair through the Clerk:
Julie Swatton – Clerk
The West Grantham Academies Trust
The Avenue, Dysart Road
Grantham
Lincolnshire NG31 7PX
Tel: 01476 405200
Email: jswatton@wgacademy.org.uk
