An Academy Committee is an increasingly common method of local governance as discussed in the NGA document “Welcome to a Multi-Academy Trust”.  It replaces the LGB with a new Committee which operates under much more focused Terms of Reference which emphasise the committee’s core function – to raise standards of learning and achievement and ensure pupil progress across all key stages within the academy.  Each academy will have its own Academy Committee which replaces the LGB.

Those who sit on an Academy Committee will become Academy Committee Members (ACM).  Each Academy Committee will require two Parent ACMs and two Staff ACMs to be voted on from the respective academy populations.  All other ACMs will be appointed by the Trust Board.

What are the differences between an Academy Committee and an LGB?

There are a number of differences which will be outlined in the Terms of Reference.  The key differences include:

• The removal of much administrative and compliancy duties which can detract from a focus on learning and achievement – these will sit with the Trust Board whenever possible.
• More active involvement in creating agendas, scrutinising evidence and judging standards – all of which will allow better support of school leaders and more focused holding to account.
• More active involvement in visiting the school, meeting leaders and other staff, speaking with students and parents – this will help triangulation and monitoring and give ACMs a real insight into the successes and needs of each academy.
• Responsibility to collate and share best practice between academies via the Best Practice Committee.
• Regular communication with the Trust Board about successes and areas for improvement.

An AC will convene once every half-term, six times a year in total.  Each AC Chair will report back to the Trust Board each term and will also work closely with the Chair of Trustees in a supportive and open relationship.  The AC Chair will have a very close working relationship with the Headteacher and SLT of the academy and form a partnership of accountability and support.

Interested in becoming a Local Academy Committee Member? Apply here

For more details regarding governance at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, see the governance section of the school website here

Just as the Academy Committees (ACs) are a driver of improvement within each academy, the Deep Dive Forum (DDF) is a driver of improvement between each academy.  However, the Deep Dive Forum is not an accountable body like the AC.  Instead, it is a chance to scrutinise and understand areas of practice common to both schools in much more depth on a regular basis, giving those involved much greater insight into key areas of our schools’ work.  It is also a forum for sharing ideas and collaborating.  The key features will be:

• A schedule of “Deep Dive” topics will be calendered throughout the year – eg Pupil Premium, Safeguarding, Progress of More Able Students.
• Each school will present in detail their work for each area and members will be able to scrutinise and compare ideas.
• Recommendations can be made for areas that schools could collaborate.
• Any members of either AC can attend the DDF.

 The DDF will convene once a term.  The Chair of the DDF will share outcomes with the Trust Board and each AC to summarise best practice, areas for development and areas for future collaboration.

The ACs will formally report to the Trust Board as an Accountable Body.  The DDF will share information back to the Trust Board and also to each AC so that the best findings are shared to help each school.  We refer to the DDF as a Supporting Body as it provides support for school improvement.