Academy Council

Monkton Wood Academy is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust that is responsible for a number of academies across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Governance for a multi-academy trust operates at two levels. At trust level, there is a Board of Directors. The directors are accountable to the Department for Education and external government agencies, including the Charity Commission, for the quality of the education the trust provides and the effective use of the associated academy funding. They are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of quality, financial probity, safety and good practice. The Board is provided assurance on a number of these areas through various sub-committees, as shown in the diagram below.
At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 13 Academy Councillors. Academy Councils are responsible for holding Principals and their leadership teams to account for the quality and effectiveness of the academic experience of the students under their care with the aim of securing effective school improvement. They do this through monitoring performance against an annual academy improvement plan, through monitoring risks and responses to risks, and by overseeing systems and processes for the safeguarding of children and the health, safety and wellbeing of academy staff.

Chair of Academy Council

Nicky McAllister, Chair of Academy Council

Academy Council Members

Richard BennettSponsor Councillor
Richard BarkerSponsor Councillor

Prior to joining the Council at Monkton Wood, I was Chair of Governors at Stanchester Academy. I am also a governor of Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College and a trustee of the Prout Bridge Project.

I live in Ilminster, and with my partner, own a retail business with shops across West Dorset.

My earlier career was in multiple retailing. Amongst other roles, I was Sales Director of Waterstones Booksellers, and Managing Director of Blackwell Retail Ltd.

I am a debenture season ticket holder at Exeter Chiefs rugby club and a passionate supporter of English cricket and rugby.

Alison WatsonParent Councillor

My background is Health and Social Care, I have supported this by working within Local Authorities , Further and Higher Education for the past twenty years. This focus was within Quality Management and Human Resource Development.
This has provided me with a greater understanding of the education environments and the challenges students and teachers face.
Currently I am working as an educator for the Health Sector, focussing on learning disabilities and Autism, I am also a health and wellbeing coach.
This enables me to be involved with many projects around increasing awareness of disabilities and Neurodiversity and creating an awareness around behaviours.
When I am not doing this I have four children, two of which are teens.

Laura LewisParent Councillor
Alison WatsonParent Councillor
Charlie CunnaneStudent Advocate Councillor

I have been working at MWA since September 2018 with a range of students supporting progress and wellbeing. I lead on the Learning Enhancement Team (LEO) and I am responsible for Y7-11 Pupil Premium students at MWA.
I also co-ordinate the MWA vulnerable transition summer school programme for Year 6 into Year 7.
I feel very passionate about supporting and guiding students academically and pastorally to make the right choices for their future. I have 20 years of experience working in education , I have always worked within the field of SEN , Inclusion , safeguarding and pastoral care, its something I am very passionate about .
I love working in education and always strive to achieve the best outcomes for the children I support..
I have a BA Hons degree in Sport Science and Recreation and a Post Graduate SENCo degree.
I also hold a Level 5 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy(CBT), Colour therapy and Child Psychology diploma for SEMH. I am also a Mental Health First Aider. (MHFA)
I have two daughters who keep me very busy! I love yoga, running, bike riding and art work. I love to read, being outdoors, walking and spending time at the beach with my two girls , husband and enjoying family time.

Anne GuildTeaching Staff Councillor

My name is Anne Guild and I am a science teacher at Monkton Wood Academy. I am also a mother to 2 teenage children.
I have been teaching for almost 30 years and over 20 of those here. I have had various roles including Head of Science, and staff governor, and am currently the NEU rep for staff at Monkton Wood.
My focus is to ensure equity for all children in their access to high quality educational opportunities.

Clare OusleySupport Staff Councillor

Following working at Monkton Wood Academy for the past 12 years in the finance dept, I have recently been appointed as Senior Operations Manager. I attended as a student here and my daughter went through the school, I have experienced the school as student, parent and employee. I believe every child deserves the best education. I am looking forward to being a part of the Monkton Wood journey through this challenging time of change to ensure school improvements are made for all stakeholders.

Hannah JonesPrincipal
Jon JonesExecutive Principal

Contact Us

Monkton Wood Academy
School Road
Monkton, Heathfield
Taunton
TA2 8PD
Contact Us
Monkton Wood Academy is proud to be part of the Cabot Learning Federation. 
Registered Company: Cabot Learning Federation
Company No: 06207590