Governance

The Trust 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

AGB Members

NameGovernor TypeLink RoleAppointed byDate of AppointmentTerm of OfficeDate Stepped downBusiness Interests
Sara PaineExecutive Headteacher       
Rachel ThrippActing Head of Moorings Way Infant School      
Matthew FleetCommunity GovernorChair, Safeguarding & Mental Health, Pupil Premium, Risk and complianceAGB1st September 20244 Years None Declared
Sarah HuckfieldCommunity GovernorSEND & EqualityAGB1st September 20244 Years None Declared
Claire AnsteyParent GovernorCurriculum & EnrichmentAGB1st September 20244 Years None Declared
Gena DanseyParent Governor AGB25th April 20254 Years Declared
Hayley GartyStaff GovernorSTEM, Careers & DigitalAGB1st September 20244 Years None Declared
Debbie Van Den BroekStaff Governor AGB23rd December 20244 Years None Declared
Samuel PooleTrust Link GovernorPupil & Parent Engagement, Marketing & CommsAGB1st October 20244 Years None Declared
        
Ann SimmonsClerk to the Governors      
Vacancies       
 Parent / Community Governor      
 Parent / Community Governor      
 Staff Governor      
 Trust Link Governor      
Previous Governors in the last 12 months      
Steve BaylissCommunity GovernorRecruitment, Diversity, Workload & Wellbeing   9th March 2026 
        

Regional Governance – Regional Governing Body (RGB)

The Portsmouth Regional Governing Body governs Meon Way Federation, for information on the role of the RGB, members and minutes from meetings please follow the link here

The Board of Directors

For information on the role of the Board of Directors, members and minutes please follow the link here

Contact Information

To contact any member of the governing board or the Clerk to Governors please use the school email address, office@meonwayfederation.org.uk