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:
Monday 27 November 2023 - Meeting 3
Monday 26 February 2024 - Meeting 4
Monday May 13 2024 - Meeting 5
Monday 1 July 2024 - 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
Sally Apps,
Sally’s career began in Manchester teaching English, and she has worked in several schools with challenging contexts. In 2011 she moved to Bristol and joined the Cabot Learning Federation as Vice Principal at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, a school she went on to lead as Principal before leading John Cabot Academy as Executive.
Sally now works as Education Director within the 3-19 team as part of the wider Cabot Learning Federation Executive. Her key areas of responsibility lie in secondary strategy and Alternative and Specialist Provision across the trust. She is passionate about disadvantage and about the cultural and systemic changes that need to occur within and beyond schools in order to ensure equity for all.
Lis Jolley,
I have worked in education for over 20 years and have held leadership roles for over 10 years.
I have always championed the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students. It important to me that all children belong and have a place in our schools and society.
I am privileged to lead Lime Hills Academy.
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.
Rachel Phillips,
I am a mum to 5 children, 3 of which have additional needs. I have always had a passion for working with children with a keen interest in additional needs. I joined lime hills academy Council as I have a child at the school and wanted to be able to help shape and see the school grow to its full potential.
Clare Pine, Teacher Councillor
I have been working in education since 2009 and am deeply passionate about inclusive education. I am a qualified primary teacher but have taught students from foundation stage right up to degree level. I am a trained autism specialist and have completed an MSc in Disability Studies, Inclusive Theory and Research at the University of Bristol. I have used my knowledge and skills in this area to successfully set up a new SEND provision in a Bristol secondary school and am now a class teacher at Lime Hills Academy. I hope to bring my knowledge and skills to the role of Academy Councillor and to play a part in shaping this new provision. I am especially interested in ensuring that staff and student voices are heard.
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.
Ayca Guildede, Support Staff Councillor
