Academy Council

Woodlands 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.

Chair of Academy Council

Lance Mason, Chair of Academy Council

I have over 30 years’ experience of secondary and further education, much of the latter at management level. Currently I lead the Free Church in Stockwood. I am Chair of the Local Academy Council of Woodlands Academy having served on the Council since 2019. My passion is to see all young people learn in school, whatever their background and ability, and to succeed in their later lives. You will frequently find me leading and supporting a range of different activities at the school. I am very involved with many community projects and love swimming and playing my saxophone!

Local Academy Councillors

Andy Kendall, Sponsor Councillor

I served as a Police Detective for 30 years and dealt with many safeguarding cases involving children and young persons. During my retirement I worked as a relief caretaker at Woodlands School for nearly 2 years. During this time, I was invited to join the Local Academy Council and one of my key roles is to be responsible for Health and Safety legislation.

I am passionate that all our children receive the best possible education in an inclusive, friendly and safe environment.

I attend the school on a weekly basis to give support to the staff and children in the classroom.

Katherine Brockett, Teacher

Carey King, Support staff

I have been working at Woodlands for a number of years, in breakfast club and at lunchtimes.
I enjoy being with the children watching them flourish everyday and helping to structure and shape their future, making time spent at Woodlands fun and interesting everyday.

I like spending time outside with my own children creating fun activities I can adapt and bring to school making learning fun and enjoyable.

Sarah Rowley, Sponsor councillor

I have a strong desire to be part of the Stockwood community and will offer my assistance and engagement where possible. As a student at the University of Bristol, I am passionate about education, especially helping others realise their full potential. In addition to my studies and part-time work, I have a deep interest in sports that encourage communication and creative projects that nurture wellness. I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to Woodlands Academy in my role as a governor however I can.

Charlie Ferdinando, Sponsor councillor

I have worked in Stockwood for the last 2 years for Bristol Charities, working with partners to see how we can help Stockwood thrive even more. I’ve been amazed at how much is going on in Stockwood and the energy of residents. Part of Stockwood Community Hub, we have a particular focus on supporting the Burnbush area of Stockwood. I am a qualified secondary teacher and have worked in a regional capacity with Oasis, supporting the integration of school, community and church. I am a qualified work coach. I’m particularly interested in supporting people and communities to take action on the things they are passionate about and encouraging joined-up and integrated working. I live in Knowle with my family and spare time often finds me either on a football pitch or more often now watching from the sidelines!