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, North Somerset, Gloucester and 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. Visit the CLF website for more information about the board.

At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 9 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

Richard Bonner, Chair of Academy Council

I have lived in the Bridgwater and Taunton area since 1976 and have worked in industry for over 40 years. I am a time‑served mechanical engineer and have held a range of senior roles throughout my career, from maintenance engineer through to Group Operations Director, working across the food, pharmaceutical, and beauty and cosmetics sectors. I am currently the General Manager of an engineering business based in Exeter.

Having always been keen to give something back to the community – particularly to support young people – I am delighted to serve Monkton Wood Academy as Chair of the Academy Council. I am passionate about education and committed to supporting the academy’s leadership team to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

I am married to my wife Julie and we have two grown‑up children and three grandchildren. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, dinghy sailing on local reservoirs, restoring my collection of 1990s motorbikes, and keeping fit.

Academy Council Members

Debbie O'Sullivan, Parent Councillor

Amy Carden-Smith, Parent Councillor

Hi, I’m Amy, your Parent Councillor! I have a child in Year 9 and another joining Year 7 in September, so I understand the excitement and nerves of school life at every stage.
As an NHS midwife, I’ve built strong skills in listening, clear communication, and advocacy — all of which I’ll bring to this role. I’m also training as a Mental Health Nurse, reflecting my belief that wellbeing is just as important as academic achievement. I’m passionate about ensuring every student feels supported.
Parent Councillors bridge families and school — representing your voices, feeding back on policies, and shaping decisions that affect our children’s education. I want every parent and carer to feel like a genuine partner in school life, and I’m committed to ensuring no concern goes unheard.
Outside of work and family, I enjoy walking, cycling, swimming, baking, and the cinema — balance is everything!

Anne Guild, Teaching 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 Ousley, Support 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.