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Governance

The TSAT Governance Model

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust governance model is different from that of a traditional maintained school. 

Governance within the trust operates through a clear layered structure, combining strong local oversight with trust-wide strategic accountability.

Local governance is delivered through the Academy Governing Body (AGB), with overall responsibility held by the Trust Board of Directors.

This ensures that each school benefits from dedicated local governors who understand the community, alongside consistent trust-wide leadership and assurance.

For information on the role of the Board of Directors, Members and Board minutes, please follow the link here: www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/

Academy Governing Body (AGB)

Each academy (or small cluster of academies) has an Academy Governing Body.

AGBs typically consist of between 8 and 11 governors in addition to the Headteacher, made up of:

  • Parent representatives
  • Staff representatives
  • Trust-appointed governors
  • Community governors

Governors are appointed or elected based on the skills and experience required to support effective governance. Governors usually serve a term of four years and AGBs meet a minimum of six times per year.

The role of the Academy Governing Board

The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Board are to:

  • Hold academy leadership to account for educational performance, quality of care and provision
  • Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and strategic priorities are delivered within the academy
  • Monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and progress against the School Improvement Plan
  • Represent and consider stakeholder voices in strategic decision-making
  • Contribute to the performance management of the Headteacher, including the involvement of the AGB Chair in annual professional growth reviews.

The AGB Members for New Horizons Children's Academy are:

Name and RoleMemberLink RoleStart of Term Length of TermAppointed byBusiness InterestEnd of Term
ChairMandy SamraiRecruitment, Workload, Diversity & Well Being03/02/20264 YearsAGB Members  
Head of SchoolLeanne Talbot-Brown 20/04/2026NANA  
Community MemberCarrie MyhillSpecial Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) &  Equality03/02/20264 YearsAGB Members  
Community Member

Peter Martin

Pupil Premium01/09/2024NABoard of Directors  
Community MemberJustina ObeTBC03/02/20264AGB Members  
Parent MemberGurtej (Paul) GillCurriculum, Enrichment, STEM, Digital & Careers01/09/20244 YearsBoard of Directors  
Staff MemberMagdalena PinkosCurriculum, Enrichment, STEM, Digital & Careers01/09/20244 YearsBoard of Directors  
Trust MemberDan HighPupil Premium ;Risk & Compliance01/09/20244 YearsBoard of Directors  
Trust MemberSimon BrownSafeguarding & Attendance03/02/20264 Years AGB Members  

Past AGB Members

RoleMemberStart of TermEnd of term
Staff MemberJuanita Bacon01/09/202431/08/2026
Parent MemberHannane Ford01/09/202431/08/2026
Parent MemberMatthew Foreman01/09/202431/08/2026
ChairLee Round01/09/202430/06/2025
HeadteacherAlice Early01/09/202431/08/2025
CommunityKaren Barker01/09/202409/05/2025

 

 

Governing board meetings attendance during academic year 2025/26

NameMeetings AttendedOut of a possible
Peter Martin46
Leanne Talbot-Brown36
Gurtej (Paul) Gill26
Carrie Mayhill34
Mandy Samrai44
Matthew Foreman46
Justina Obe26
Hannane Ford06
Peter Martin46
Juanita Bacon56
Magdelena Pinkos46
Dan High56
Simon Brown46