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 and North 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.
At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 13 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
Local Academy Councillors
Huw Grove, Sponsor Councillor
Andy Kendall, Sponsor Councillor
Katherine Brockett, Teacher
Lisa Craig, Principal
As the Principal of Woodlands Academy, I am committed to ensuring all children have the best start in their educational journey and that children are happy, safe and well cared for during their time with us. Prior to headship, I have also been a class teacher, phase leader, maths/science/geography/RE lead, SENDCO, inclusion lead, safeguarding lead, assessment lead and assistant head and I bring the skills from all of these roles to our LAC team.
Having been part of the Stockwood community for over 15 years has been a pleasure and I look forward to seeing how the community grows and pulls together moving forwards.
Susie Weaver, Education Director
Sue Burns, Clerk to the Academy Council
Carey King, Support staff
Catherine Bennett, Sponsor councillor
I have proudly called Stockwood home for over a decade, with both of my children. With more than six years in the education sector, including five years serving in the Waycroft Academy school office, I bring a deep understanding of our community and the needs of students, staff, and families alike. Now, as an Executive Assistant at Trust in Learning Academies, another Bristol-based multi-academy trust, I am dedicated to supporting the continual improvement of the academy and advocating for investment in the talented staff working within our schools.
I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to Woodlands Academy through my role within the CLF governance structure.
