Lime Hills 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 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.
Our Academy Council meetings take place on:
Wednesday 25 September 2024 - Meeting 1
Monday 30 September 2024 - Meeting 2
Monday November 25 2024 - Meeting 3
Thursday 6 March 2025 - Meeting 4
Monday 28 April 2025 - Meeting 5
Monday 23 June 2025 - Meeting 6
Chair of Academy Council
Brigid Allen, Chair of Academy Council
I worked in education as a teacher and school leader for more than 30 years, most of them in secondary schools in the Bristol area. After retirement from fulltime work, I have run the Leadership Development programmes for the Cabot Learning Federation, developing school leaders and head teachers in local schools. I have been Chair of an academy council since 2012 when I joined Frome Vale Academy Council, and was delighted to be asked to chair the new Lime Hills Academy as it became established.
I divide my time between visiting my ever growing family around the world, and continuing with my active role as Chair of Snowdon Village Academy and Chair of Lime Hills Academy. I am still passionate about education, and in particular about the rights of all children and young people to be supported to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is a privilege to work with Lime Hills Academy Council.
Academy Council Members
Alex Davies,
Alex grew up in Weymouth, Dorest. She studied Fine Art at Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London before moving to Bournemouth to complete her degree in Film Production.
In 2018 Alex became the Interim Headteacher at Bristol Futures Academy (BFA) and led the school through its first Ofsted.
Following a merger and restructuring of schools - BFA, The Nest and Engage - Alex applied for and was appointed to the role of Principal of Snowdon Village in 2019. During this time, Alex completed her NPQH.
Alex’s favourite subjects when she was at school were Art and Physical Education and she strongly believes in the importance these subjects play in the development of children.
Nicolle Deighton,
My name is Nicolle Deighton and I am currently the Headteacher of a special school in Bristol. I wanted to become an academy councillor to share my knowledge and expertise and support a new school at the beginning of their journey. Having worked as a headteacher and a governor for many years, I feel well equipped to support the school and their pupils to develop an effective provision. I have worked collaboratively with the Cabot Learning Federation for many years and my own children have attended CLF schools, meaning that I have a good understand of the structures and community that surrounds Lime Hills
Claire Pannell ,
Claire is Academy Councillor for Hans Price Academy in Weston and Lime Hills Academy, a special school in Somerset. Claire is also Director of Governance – General Counsel at Anthem Schools Trust. Claire is a qualified solicitor, specialising in education law and is also the Data Protection Officer and Company Secretary for Anthem. Claire has also worked for Education Development Trust, which used to operate Anthem, as in-house legal and senior education development consultant, working with education governments internationally, predominantly in the Middle-East and north Africa. Prior to this, Claire worked as a senior education solicitor at education specialist law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards.
Kate Gillam, Sponsor Councillor
We were lucky to have been offered a place at Lime Hills for our son, who started in year 7. I am very keen to support the school as much as possible, we are excited at the new opportunities it provides for the children of North Somerset.
If I can be of use in supporting the staff then I’m keen to do so. I can see there will be challenges ahead and hope a different perspective will be of use. In the past I have held several voluntary positions, in the Sea Cadets, dog charities and most recently our village hall. Hopefully some of the experience I’ve gained can be put to good use at Lime Hills.
Luz Martinez, Sponsor Councillor
Luz Stella Martinez has worked for 10 years as an international educator - IB curriculum. Currently, she works as an educational consultant and author for UK-ISEB (CE) Spanish exams. She is passionate about fostering global learning environments, has successfully facilitated cross-cultural collaboration, and enhanced educational experiences for students worldwide. She holds a Master's in International Education and is a certified Google, Apple, and Common-Sense Educator who integrates technology, project-based learning, and real-world applications to empower students to develop critical thinking skills and become lifelong learners. Luz is an advocate for positive leadership and professional growth through collaboration and networking.
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Natalie Sweet,
Natalie joined Lime Hills Academy in September 2024 as a teacher of more than 22 years and believes passionately that each child is a unique individual and that it is our responsibility to support, guide and challenge every child to be the best that they can be. She would like all children to be supported to develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally and be prepared for life. She would like our children to progress through the school, develop the skills they need for a fulfilling life and be the support as they transition into adulthood.
