Governance at St Mary’s

Our Governance Structure

St Mary’s  is proud to be part of the ACT Multi Academy Trust, which ensures robust oversight, high standards, and a strong Christian ethos across all its schools.

Who Governs Our School?

• Trust Board
  The Trust Board is the legally accountable body for all ACT schools. It sets the strategic direction, ensures educational excellence, financial integrity, and upholds the Trust’s Christian values. The Board is supported by two specialist committees:
  • Finance, Audit & Risk Committee – Oversees finance, estates, HR, ICT, procurement, compliance, and risk.
  • Standards Committee – Oversees educational standards, safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil outcomes.
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  The CEO leads the Trust, reporting directly to the Trust Board, and is responsible for the overall performance, sustainability, and Christian distinctiveness of the Trust. The CEO line manages all Headteachers and the Executive Team.
• Deputy CEO (Education)
  The Deputy CEO supports school improvement, curriculum quality, and leadership development, working closely with Headteachers and Leaders of Excellence.
• Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO)
  The CFOO manages Trust finances, estates, HR, ICT, and operational compliance, reporting to the CEO and the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
• Inclusion Director
  The Inclusion Director leads on safeguarding, SEND, equality, and pupil wellbeing, supporting schools and reporting to the Standards Committee.
• Trust Local Governing Body (TLGB)
  Our TLGB provides local monitoring and assurance on standards, safeguarding, Christian ethos, and community engagement. The TLGB holds the Headteacher to account for implementing Trust and statutory policies, and provides assurance to the Trust Board. The TLGB does not hold executive or decision-making authority but plays a vital role in supporting school improvement and ensuring compliance.

How Accountability Flows

• The Trust Board is accountable to the Members, the Diocese, and the Department for Education (DfE).
• The CEO is accountable to the Trust Board.
• The Deputy CEO, CFOO, and Inclusion Director are accountable to the CEO.
• Headteachers are line managed by the Deputy CEO (operationally) and the CEO (formally).
• The TLGB provides assurance to the Trust Board and supports the Headteacher.

Stakeholder Engagement

Pupils and parents contribute to governance through feedback, engagement, and surveys. Their voices inform both the TLGB and the Trust Board, helping to shape our school’s direction and priorities.

Key Governance Documents

• Scheme of Delegation (link)
• Terms of Reference for the TLGB (link)
• Governor Code of Conduct (link)
• Annual Governance Statement (link)
• Details of our Local Governors, their roles, and attendance (link)
• Register of Interests (link)

Our Vision and Ethos

We uphold ACT’s values: Think it. Believe it. Live it.
Governance ensures:

• High standards of education.
• Robust safeguarding.
• Financial transparency.
• Community engagement.

Transparency

• Details of governors’ business and financial interests.
• Diversity data (published in line with DfE guidance).
• Compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.

Trust Local Governing Body

Our Local Governing Body plays a vital role in supporting and challenging the school.
Current Governors: