Academy Council

Queen Margaret Primary 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

Lesley Hendrie, Chair of Academy Council

I am a recently-retired Headteacher with nearly 40 years in education. As Headteacher of a small primary school, I spent 16 years on the governing body of my own school and I was really keen to keep up my connections with education and to play a part in a practical way.

Following a visit and tour of the school, I was very eager to join as I was so impressed with the ethos and the commitment to providing the best care and education for all pupils.

I want to continue being a school governor because it gives me a chance to contribute to and support the life of a school and to help make decisions which will have a positive impact on the lives of young people.

(Sponsor Councillor)

Academy Council Members

Hayley Ide, Parent Councillor

I have been a parent at Queen Margaret since 2015. My eldest son has just finished his journey through the school and my youngest son is now in Year 3. My husband attended the school when he was a child, and it was great for our boys to be able to follow his educational background.

I have worked within a school setting, with my main experience being in EYFS, for 18 years and have a great interest in children’s education, the importance of early learning and children’s well-being.

I became a parent governor at Queen Margaret so that I can support the school, the pupils and be more involved in the school community.

Chloe Ryland, Support Staff Councillor

I started working at Queen Margaret Primary in 2022 and I have enjoyed working alongside a great team every day since I started. I have been part of Queen Margaret Primary for longer than a couple of years, as I have been a parent here since my eldest son started in 2015 and now my youngest son is currently in Year 4. My Dad and Uncles, plus my children's father and family attended this school when they were children also.

I have worked within the education setting since I left university, with a big chunk of my experience working within the EYFS sector. I have recently been appointed as the new Family Support Worker for Queen Margaret Primary Academy, and I am thoroughly looking forward to strengthening the ties with our community, parents and our children. I also have a big passion for pastoral care within our school and a lot of my time is focused on that area supporting children with mental health and wellbeing.

I became a Councillor to help support our academy and be able to keep giving the children in our school a positive school experience.

Finley Bytheway, Sponsor Councillor

I'm a former student of Queen Margarets, graduating back in 2015, and I'm proud to have the opportunity to give back to the school and community that helped shape me. I've lived in Priors Park my entire life, so supporting local young people is something I care deeply about.

I'm currently a degree apprentice at GE Aerospace in Bishops Cleeve, studying towards a degree in electronic and computer engineering. I also volunteer with Tewkesbury Rugby Club and IET Gloucestershire, sitting as committee members for both bodies. Being involved in my community has always been important to me, and stepping into the role of academy councillor felt like the natural way to continue that journey.

On the Academy Council I'm the focal for Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged Students, and I'm committed to making sure that all students have every chance to thrive - academically, personally, and beyond. I want all students to feel seen, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Vacancy , Sponsor Councillor x 3

Vacancy, Parent Councillor

Eleanor Davis, Staff Councillor

Heather Evans, Clerk

I grew up locally and have two children. Having previously worked for a group of schools in the West Midlands, I am aware of issues facing schools, staff and parents.