Governance
Governance
LEAP Academy Trust is a company limited by guarantee and is also (under the terms of the Academies Act 2010) an ‘exempt charity’, i.e., it has charitable status but is exempt from registering with the Charity Commission due to it being accountable to the Department for Education (DfE). Effective governance is key to our success. Transparent, empowered, assured governance, in keeping with the Trust’s values, is hard-wired into our constitution and in our ways of working. All Academy Trusts have two layers of governance – Members and Trustees. Some (like LEAP) choose to have a third, i.e., Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). To view more detailed information about the Trust’s governance model, please click here. LGBs are delegated responsibility by the Trust Board. Each LGB is, in effect, a committee of the Trust Board. Consistent with the Trust Board’s role Trust-wide, LGB’s are responsible for the following core areas in respect of the Academy which they oversee:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction at Academy level and with reference to the Trust
- Holding the leadership to account for the educational performance of the Academy and its pupils
- Awareness of finances to ensure that money is spent well and in line with school improvement priorities
- Engaging with stakeholders
They undertake a vital role in contributing to the work of LEAP Multi-Academy Trust to ensure high standards of achievement and “Achieving Excellence” for all children and young people in education within the Trust’s Academies.
Our Trust-wide governors serve on the LGBs of both Brinsworth Academy and Dinnington High School.
Our Associate Governors, appointed to a single academy only, carry out a similar role, acting as advisors to Dinnington High School only.
If you wish to know more about becoming a Governor on the Local Governing Body, please contact the Lead Governance Professional via email info@leap-mat.org.uk
Our Governors are:
Katie Bowler
Trust-wide Parent Governor
Term of Office: 17.01.2024 – 16.01.2028
Sam Brooks
- Trust-wide Governor and Chair
- Term of office 12.10.20 – 11.10.24
- Responsibilities: Safeguarding
As a parent of two children at DHS, I joined the governing body in 2016 intrigued to learn about its role in shaping the future for our students. Being a former teacher, I had experience of governors in interview situations and on school trips, but I’ve discovered there are so many more opportunities for involvement than I’d imagined. I’m privileged to be the link on Safeguarding as I’m passionate about children’s well-being and see first-hand the positive impact the team has on students’ lives. I’m also involved in the voice sessions, making certain the school listens to the views of all its stakeholders to ensure we uphold fairness, honesty and accountability throughout.
Rob Knight
- Trust-wide Parent Governor
- Term of office:01.02.21 – 31.01.25
Hannah Peacock
- Trust-wide Staff Governor (non-teaching)
- Term of Office: 01.09.23 – 21.06.26
Luke Towers
- Associate Staff Governor (Teaching)
- Term of Office: 17/10/2020 – 16/10/2024
As a proud Dinnington teacher, I am passionate that our pupils receive the best education possible and felt that through joining the school’s governance team I could help work towards this vision. My main role within the school is as Head of History and lead the teaching and development of History throughout the school. I also work within the school’s careers team to ensure all pupils have access to a high-quality careers provision which inspires pupils and nurtures their aspirations for the future.
Kerry Wade
Ex-officio, Headteacher
Valerie Whitaker
- Trust-wide Governor
- Term of office: 01.09.23– 27.04.24
I am a semi-retired educator who became a governor when my own children were in education. I believe that every child should have the same opportunities to achieve their full potential and as a governor I am able to support the academy in this.
Matt Wilkinson
- Associate Parent Governor
- Term of Office: 03.05.2023 – 02.05.2027
