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 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.
Co-Chairs of Academy Council
Joy Pegg, Chair of Academy Council
Joy Pegg
I am now Chair of Councilors at Queen Margaret Primary Academy. I have lived in Priors Park for 40 years and it is great to be able to contribute in this way to our community, especially for all the families and children who attend. I have previously worked with various youth organisations both here and abroad and am passionate about seeing all our children reaching their full potential.
I have been involved with our Priors Park Edible Garden and still enjoy my own although I have given up my plot. Reading is a passion and I love volunteering at Queen Margaret listening to children in Owl class and seeking to pass on the excitement of the different worlds that can open to us through the books we read.
Academy Council Members
Lesley Hendrie, Sponsor Councillor
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.
Finley Bytheway, Sponsor Councillor
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.
Emily Draper , Staff Councillor
Previous to teaching , I completed an art foundation degree. After completing my art foundation, I completed a double degree in marketing management, business management and branding. On completion of my degree I worked for an engineering company for five years.
I then decided to retrain as a teacher and have been teaching since 2016. I have a passion for art, sport and reading. I am a member of the Readingteachers=reading pupils campaign that works in collaboration with the Cheltenham Literature Festival and teachers around the South West. Outside of school, I am active and participate in sports or attend the gym four times a week.
I am passionate about learning and want to ensure children enjoy their education and participate in fun and engaging lessons that enrich their lives.
Heather Evans, Clerk
I grew up locally and have two school-aged children. Having previously worked for a group of schools in the West Midlands I am aware of issues facing schools, staff and parents.
