Our Governors (Local Academy Council)

• 9 Foundation Governors (appointed by the Diocesan Bishop)
• 2 Parent Governors (appointed by the parents)
• 2 Staff Representatives (appointed by staff)
• The Executive Headteacher

Please note: There are two Foundation posts reserved for parish priests

In some cases, local boards are given flexibility to appoint Associate Governors based on skills and experience that are identified as gaps on the board. This permission must be requested through the Trust Executive and Trust Board.

The Federated Local Academy Board is committed to serving both schools fairly, equitably, and in full compliance with statutory and Trust requirements. In its decision-making, the Board gives balanced consideration to the distinct needs, contexts, and communities of each academy, ensuring that neither school is disadvantaged by federated governance arrangements.

Our Scheme of Delegation can be found at the bottom of this page.

The Local Academy Council (LAC) plays a vital role in supporting the mission and strategic direction of the Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) at a local level. Rooted in the values and teachings of the Catholic Church, the LAC serves as a key link between the individual academy, its parish community, and the wider Trust. The primary responsibilities of the LAC include:

• Faithful Stewardship and Ethos: Uphold and promote the Catholic identity, values, and mission of the academy, ensuring Gospel principles guide all aspects of school life.
• Advocacy and Governorship: Act as advocates of the Trust’s vision and strategy while serving as Governors for the local academy within the Trust, parish and wider community to build partnerships.
• Impact and Accountability: Provide local support and challenge to school leaders by monitoring standards, inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring effective implementation of Trust policies.

The LAC operates within the governance framework established by the CMAT, with delegated responsibilities defined by the Trust LAC. Through Collaboration, faith, and service, the LAC contributes to the flourishing of each academy as a place of excellence, faith formation, and holistic development.

The Foundation Governors on the Local Academy Council will be those appointed by the Bishop. They shall outnumber all the other members by two so as to ensure the preservation and development of the Catholic character of the Academy and the Multi-Academy Trust Company. Parent and Staff Governors are appointed by Ballot. The term of office for any person, other than a Foundation Governor, serving on the Local Academy Council shall be 3 years, to be specified at the time of appointment by the person or body appointing them, save that this time limit shall not apply to the Headteacher. Subject to remaining eligible to be a particular type of member on the Local Academy Council, any person may be re-appointed or re-elected to the Local Academy Council save that Foundation Governors may only serve a maximum of three consecutive four-year terms (other than with the consent of the Bishop).

The quorum for a meeting of the Local Academy Council, and any vote on any matter thereat, shall be any three of the members of the Local Academy Council, or, where greater, any one third (rounded up to a whole number) of the total number of persons holding office on the Local Academy Council at the date of the meeting. The Full Academy Council will meet at least six times per year.

Documents

Scheme of Delegation

Articles of Association
Under "Trust Board Governance Documents", "Articles" on Trust website

Attendance, Annual Report & Register of Interests
Under "School & LGB Governance Documents", "St Thomas More" on Trust website

Annual Audited Accounts
Under "Finance Documents" on Trust website