LOCAL GOVERNANCE
The Sir Thomas Wharton Academy Education Committee are committed to improving education for all students by ensuring high standards of Governance. The Academy Education Committee has the following core strategic functions:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Setting and ensuring clarity of the vision, values, and objectives for the Academy within the Trust framework
- Agreeing the Academy improvement strategy in line with the Scheme of Delegation
- Meeting statutory duties
Holding the Principal to account for the educational performance of the Academy and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
- Appointing Senior Leaders in consultation with the CEO and Trust Board
- Monitoring the educational performance of the schools and progress towards agreed targets
- Performance managing Senior Leaders in consultation with the CEO and Trust Board
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Contributing to Academy self-evaluation
Overseeing the financial performance of the Academy and making sure its money is well spent
- Monitoring spending against the budget
- Ensuring money is well spent and value for money is obtained
- Ensuring risks to the organisation are managed
Chair of Governors: Andrew Battle (Trust appointment for 12 months from 6th September 2026)
Vice Chair of Governors: Mike Swann (Trust appointment for 12 months from 6th September 2026)
Principal: Matt McDonald
Governance Professional: Lucy Turner
If you wish to contact the Academy Education Committee, please contact Lucy Turner, Governance Professional, by email at governance@placepartnership.com or by telephoning the Academy on 01709 864100.
ACADEMY EDUCATION COMMITTEE membership
| Name | Category | Appointed | Term of Office | Appointed by |
| Andrew Battle | Trust Appointed Governor | 07.05.19 | 06.05.27 | Governors |
| Lee Wild | Trust Appointed Governor | 06.12.23 | 05.12.27 | Governors |
| Emma Wood | Trust Appointed Governor | 09.12.25 | 08.12.29 | Governors |
| Lisa Coe | Trust Appointed Governor | 16.03.26 | 15.03.30 | Governors |
| Vacancy | Trust Appointed Governor | Governors | ||
| Gail Stonier | Trust Appointed Governor | 02.10.23 | 01.10.27 | Governors |
| Michael Swann | Trust Appointed Governor | 08.12.24 | 07.12.28 | Governors |
| Sonya Houghton | Trust Appointed Governor | 16.09.25 | 15.09.29 | Governors |
| Kate Ribey | Parent/Carer | 05.05.26 | 04.05.30 | Parent Election |
| Ryan Kidd | Parent/Carer | 03.09.24 | 02.09.28 | Parent Election |
| Vacancy | Staff | Staff Election | ||
| Craig Taylor | Staff | 17.10.24 | 16.10.28 | Staff Election |
| Matt McDonald | Principal | N/a |
LOCAL GOVERNORS WHO HAVE STEPPED DOWN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2024
| Name | Category | Appointed | Stepped Down | Appointed by |
| Jayne Chetwynd | Parent | 25.05.2017 | 24.05.25 | Election |
| Rebecca Barber | Business/Education | 13.11.23 | 02.10.24 | Governors |
| Jessica Leech | Business/Education | 19.06.22 | 18.09.25 | Governors |
| Sian Guttridge | Staff (Associate Professional) | 15.11.21 | 14.11.25 | Staff Election |
| Lisa Coe | Parent | 11.02.22 | 10.02.26 | Parent Election |
TRUST GOVERNANCE
The Trust Board provides:
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Strategic Leadership of the Trust: the Board defines the Trust's vision for high-quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects.
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Accountability and assurance: the Board has robust, effective oversight of the operations and performance of the Academy Trust.
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Engagement: the board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders.
For more information regarding Trust Governance and statutory documents please visit Place Partnership