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 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.
Our Academy Council meetings take place on:
Meeting 1: Wednesday 24 September 2025 - 5-6:30pm (Annual Strategic Briefing)
Meeting 2: Monday 29 September 2025 - 3:30-5:30pm
Meeting 3: Monday 17 November 2025 - 3:30-5:30pm
Meeting 4: Thursday 2 February 2026 - 3:30-5:30pm
Meeting 5: Monday 23 March 2026 - 3:30-5:30pm
Meeting 6: Monday 29 June 2026 - 3:30-5:30pm
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
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 ,
As well as Claire being an Academy Councillor for Lime Hills Academy she 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, Parent 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.
