Governance
We are a proud part of Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT)
Our governors sit on an Academy Committee (AC), whose purpose is to support and advise the Principal and Excalibur Academies Trust’s Board of Trustees in delivering effective welfare, behaviour and extra-curricular provision. In every aspect of its work, ACs look through the lens of the child, asking: “What is it like to attend this school?”, whilst being mindful to avoid adding to the Principal’s workload.
ACs help shape a school’s vision, build links with local community, provide specialist volunteer skills/knowledge and give vital input to statutory processes (for example complaints, exclusions and recruitment).
The responsibility of monitoring and improving educational outcomes lies with the Trust’s professional Academy Improvement Team.
Responsibilities
To fulfil these functions, the Academy Committee has the following responsibilities:
- Culture, vision and ethos
- Personal development and staff and pupil welfare
- Behaviour and Attendance
- Extra-Curricular provision
- Safeguarding
- Engagement and promotion within local community
- Staffing, behaviour and complaints panels
- Senior management recruitment/performance management
Governor Roles
The Academy Committee must appoint Governors to the following roles: Health & Safety Governor, Safeguarding Governor & SEND Governor. Depending on the school’s size, additional roles should also be assigned; examples include Education Performance Governor, Pupil Premium & Inclusion Governor and Finance Governor.
Safeguarding & Training
Excalibur maintains a strong safeguarding culture and ethos, with all Governors applying for an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, in addition to undertaking mandatory safeguarding and cyber-security training. It is the responsibility of the nominated Safeguarding Governor to ensure this is adhered to and the Trust monitors compliance. Supplementary training to support Governors in their role is also available.
All Governors and Trustees must agree to be bound by the Excalibur Academies Trust Code of Conduct, with annual compulsory recommitment and declaration of business interests.
More information
Further information about the Excalibur’s Academy Committees can be found by visiting: https://www.excalibur.org.uk/governance/join-us/ or contacting the Trust’s Head of Governance Cathryn Poole: Cathryn.poole@excalibur.org.uk
Mrs Flic Ellmes (MPA, MBACP)
Acting Chair, Parent and SEND Governor
I have worked in children’s services for over 20 years as a youth and community work practitioner and counsellor, with specialisms in mental health, young carers, partnership work and youth participation. I am passionate about helping children and their families to get the best opportunities to develop and thrive.
I have a son at Easton Royal Academy and watching him fall in love with the different approaches to learning which the fantastic team provide to the pupils at the school makes me want to be as involved as I can to help nurture their journey through childhood.
Mrs Lulu Anthistle
Parent and H&S Governor
As a parent at Easton Royal Academy over the last 10 years, I have experienced school life from Reception to Year 6 and all the accompanying joys and challenges this brings. I am a huge advocate for Easton Royal and believe we have something very special to protect and nurture. I am passionate about helping to ensure the excellent teaching and provision is upheld and staff are supported to achieve the very best for our children.
Living in Milton Lilbourne and working in Marlborough at our Academy secondary school, St John’s, I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful community in such a beautiful part of the world.
Mrs Anne Curry
Community and Finance Governor
I am delighted to be part of ERA as a Community Governor.
I come from a tiny village in Wales, and attended Warwick Uni to study law-where I met my husband Mark.
We have two children, aged 22 and 17.
I have a LLM in Criminal Justice, and am a company director and barrister.
In my spare time I sing in Andover Ladies Choir, run various social media accounts, enjoy reading crime novels, and attend as many plays and musicals as I can.
I have lived in Milton Lilbourne for 25 years, and know that ERA holds a very special place in the local community, with super people who are clearly passionate about the education and well-being of all pupils.
ERA shows that small can be mighty!
Mr Rob Hicks
Staff Governor
Rob has worked in education for the past 20 years, beginning his career as a Teaching Assistant before qualifying as a Class Teacher in 2008. During this time, he has gained experience across all phases of primary education and has taught in every year group. Rob is currently the SENCo and Year 5/6 classroom teacher at Easton Royal Academy, where he is passionate about supporting all pupils to achieve their full potential.
With two children of his own, both now in secondary school, Rob brings both professional insight and a parent’s perspective to his role as Staff Governor. He is committed to ensuring that the school continues to provide a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring environment for every child.
Rob chose to become a governor to contribute to the school’s strategic development and to represent the views and experiences of the staff team. He is particularly interested in supporting areas such as inclusion, wellbeing, and curriculum development.
Outside of school, Rob enjoys keeping active at the gym and spending time outdoors hiking in the hills and mountains. He also has a keen interest in collecting vintage and retro toys and computer consoles.
Mr Bill Merritt
Parent and Safeguarding Governor
After being in the construction industry for 13 years, I was in a fortunate position that I was
able to take a step away from my business, and dedicate more of my time and energy to my family and hobbies. I have two incredible (although challenging at times) children that both attend the marvellous school that is Easton Royal Academy.
Over the years that we’ve been part of the school’s community, it’s been clear that our
small, but mighty school relies on the support of the community in order to maintain its high level of awesome-ness. When the opportunity arose to become a Governor, it seemed a logical step to take in order to help further support the fantastic staff and pupils of ERA.
Outside of children duties, I love nothing more than trying to beat my wife at tennis,
running with our beautiful, but high-energy Vizsla, and mountain biking in our glorious
countryside.
Governance Structure
Our Local Academy Committee sits in the wider structure of governance for Excalibur Academies Trust and the details can be found on the link below:
Trust Structure - Excalibur Academies Trust
