Governance
Our local governing body for both Marine Academy Primary and Marine Academy Secondary consists of unpaid members who monitor the strategic direction of the schools as defined by the Ted Wragg Trust in their scheme of delegation. We are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school but we use our mix of skills to hold the headteacher to account and scrutinise the financial probity of the school ensuring value for money is obtained from our allocated budget. We discuss and agree school improvement strategies with their priorities and targets which we monitor over the school year. We have responsibility for health and safety ensuring risks to the organisation are adequately managed as well as the well-being of both the students and staff.
If you have any queries about the governing body, or you would like to get involved, please contact governance@tedwraggtrust.co.uk
Details of the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust and their Trustees can be viewed on the TWMAT website. This includes the Trust annual report, annual audited accounts, memorandum of association, articles of association, names of trustess and members along with the trust funding agreement. The Trustees oversee the work of the two seperate Local Governing Bodies - one for Marine Academy Secondary and the other Marine Academy Primary and Nursery.
Document & Agreements
Please find all relevant documentation regarding the Governance of Marine Academy Primary and Nursery Governors, Marine Academy Secondary Governors and the Scheme of Delegation.
Primary
Primary LGB Constitution & Declaration of Interests
Primary Governors Attendance 2022-2023
Pat Patel - Chair of Governors
After a career spanning 25 years in the Royal Navy I began my live as a civilian in Barne Barton becoming a community activist, I have overseen many changes and improvements to the area which was once known as “little Beirut”. I have raised funds which has enabled my community to acquire four large buildings which help to sustain community activities on the estate. I was elected as a councillor for St Budeaux Ward in 1921 being given cabinet responsibilities for Customer Service, Culture, Leisure and Sport. I have much knowledge and experience to support the school, the staff, parents and children.
Alasdair Williams – Co-opted Governor
I was born and raised in Plymouth, completing my education at St Boniface's College and Notre Dame. I completed my undergraduate degree in London and returned home to complete my PGCE in 2018. I have been teaching in the South West for four years and will be starting my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in Autumn 2023. I have an interest in curriculum and how this can inspire children to be ambassadors of the future. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking part in running and cycling races. I am also an avid beekeeper!
Andy Ferry - Co-opted Governor
I am currently working as an Assistant Head and the Early Years Lead at a large primary school within Plymouth. My special interest as a governor is associated with the quality of education in early years, pedagogy and practice. I have a true passion for early years education and believe that this is fundamentally important to ensure children thrive by having the best possible start in life.
I am a late starter to the education industry, qualifying as a teacher in 2015, and my experience is predominantly within Early Years. Prior to this, I spent over 20 years in various leadership roles within the leisure and hospitality industry in several countries around the world.
As a result of my varied experience, I have developed a wide skill set that I hope will prove useful to the governing body in developing and improving the lives of our children. I am committed to working with the governing body to ensure that Marine Academy Primary is a place where all children can succeed and thrive.
Louise has been a member of staff at Marine Academy Primary since 2016. Starting as a Teaching Assistant, Louise then completed her Teacher Training with Marine Academy and has taught in three different year groups. As well as being a class teacher, Louise is also Leader of Maths and Science for the Academy. Louise’s passion lies in improving aspirations and opportunities by providing an outstanding education for all children in the school and by engaging with families.
Louise will bring her professional experience and knowledge to the Board of Governors to support all stakeholders with an interest in the education and experiences of Marine Academy’s pupils.
Secondary
Chair of Governors - Lance Chatfield
Lance is a distinguished leader recognised for his exceptional track record spanning over 25 years, encompassing personnel management, project oversight, departmental leadership, and executive roles. Over the past 18 years, Lance has dedicated his expertise to the field of education. Before his tenure in education, Lance excelled as an electrical engineer, operating on an international scale with a team that stretched across Europe and Asia.
In his capacity as the Chair of Governors at Marine Academy Plymouth, Lance undertakes the dual responsibility of supporting and challenging the school's leadership team. His focus lies in ensuring continual enhancement, aiming for the school to achieve top-tier performance and evolve into one of the most distinguished educational institutions in the UK
Roger Williams - Co-opted Governor
I am a retired lecturer from City College Plymouth where I started off lecturing in business studies and then switched to teaching maths for the last ten years
I now run a project where I do free maths tuition in return for a donation to the Plymouth foodbank.
I have served on several governance bodies for Plymouth schools and have specialised in both curriculum and human management.
I love to play bridge and suffer from following Cardiff City as they struggle due to the fact I hail from the Welsh Valleys.
Aaron Meredith - Co-opted Governor
Aaron, CEO of The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West) and Executive Headteacher of Ernesettle Community School and Tor Bridge Primary School, was originally appointed when Ernesettle Community School was deemed to be requiring special measures in May 2010. Within 18 months, the school was graded as ‘Good with Outstanding features’ by Ofsted and in 2019, graded as ‘Outstanding’. In April 2013, Aaron was seconded to part time for two years to open Devon’s first primary free school, Marine Academy Primary; the academy became the south west’s first ‘Outstanding’ free school in June 2015. Aaron was designated as a National Leader in Education (NLE) in 2018 and when the trust sponsored Tor Bridge School in 2021, it consequently became one of only three schools in the South West region to ever achieve moving from Special Measures to Outstanding in its next inspection.
After a career spanning 25 years in the Royal Navy I began my live as a civilian in Barne Barton becoming a community activist, I have overseen many changes and improvements to the area which was once known as “little Beirut”. I have raised funds which has enabled my community to acquire four large buildings which help to sustain community activities on the estate. I was elected as a councillor for St Budeaux Ward in 1921 being given cabinet responsibilities for Customer Service, Culture, Leisure and Sport. I have much knowledge and experience to support the school, the staff, parents and children.
Annette Codner - Staff Governor
Nicky Henderson - Co-opted Governor
Leigh Withers - Ex Officio
Secondary LGB Constitution & Declaration of Interests
Secondary Governors Attendance 2022-2023