Local Academy Committee

Local Academy Committee Information

Our Local Academy Committees play a vital role in the life of our schools and the wider Trust. The purpose of local governance is to support the Trust Board to ensure the provision of:

  • strategic leadership
  • accountability and assurance
  • strategic engagement
  • preserving the religious character of church schools

The Severn Federation Academy Trust is committed to having a rigorous standard of governance, and everyone involved with governance within the Trust agrees to uphold the Codes of Conduct.

Academy Trust Governance Code

Governance Statement of Principles

St. Helen's CE Primary School Local Academy Committee

The Local Academy Committee have a responsibility for delegated matters concerning St. Helen's School; including the upholding the Christian ethos of the school, promoting ties with the outside community, monitoring the impact of the curriculum and ensuring the wellbeing of pupils and staff. The Local Academy Committee meet at least once a term. The Committee Terms of Reference outline the responsibilities and duties of the St. Helen's Local Academy Committee.

St. Helen's Committee Term of Reference 2026-27

The Local Academy Committee represents St. Helen's school within the wider Severn Federation Academy Trust.

They are responsible for:
  • Monitoring the Christian distinctiveness within the school.
  • Ensuring accountability.
  • Monitoring and evaluating the schools' progress.
  • Monitoring safeguarding procedures within the school.
  • Monitoring and promoting links between the school and the local parish, parents and local community.
  • Ensuring the highest possible standards are set, achieved and maintained in the school.
  • Ensuring pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is nurtured.
  • Ensuring the well-being of pupils, staff and families is supported. 
  • Having a role in the appointment of senior members of staff including the Headteacher.
Whilst the local committee are always open to ideas and opinions they are not primarily responsible for:
  • Discussing the individual needs of pupils (please contact your child's teacher for this).
  • Complaints/concerns about staff (this should initially be addressed to the Headteacher).
  • Fund raising and social events (this is run by the Friends).
If you would like to get involved in local governance, or to contact the Chair of Committee, please contact the Clerk to Governors; naomi.ryan@sfat.uk 

Register of Interests & Committee Roles

Name of Governor Category of Governor Appointing Body Responsibilities Term Dates Register of Interests/ Declaration of Pecuniary Interests Governor at another school
Mrs Anne-Marie Evans Headteacher Ex-Officio   01/09/2026 - ongoing Employee of SFAT (Sep 26 - ongoing) No
David Moss Foundation Governor Diocese of Bristol   01/09/2026 - 31/08/2030 * Trustee at North Severnside Benefice (Oct 2017 - ongoing) * Vicar at North Severnside Benefice (Oct 2017 - ongoing) Olveston Primary School
David Gordon Co-opted Governor Local Authority Committee Chair 07/10/2026 - 06/10/2030 * Child at an SFAT school *Family relation to SFAT LAC member No
Fiona Kitson Staff Governor Staff body of St. Helen's   17/09/2026 - 16/09/2030 Employee of SFAT (Sep 26 - ongoing) No
Malcolm Strange Foundation Governor Diocese of Bristol   01/09/2026 - 01/03/2030  * Leadership team of Mosaic Trust Partnership       * Family relation to SFAT LAC member    * Employee of Diocese of Bristol No
Neil Ayliffe Parent Governor Parent body of St. Helen's Vice-Chair  17/09/2026 - 16/09/2030  * Child at an SFAT school No
Christopher Scrimshaw Parent Governor Parent body of St. Helen's Safeguarding  17/09/2026 - 16/09/2030  * Child at an SFAT school No
VACANCY Co-opted Governor