Governance
We are a proud part of Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT)
Our governors sit on an Academy Committee (AC), whose purpose is to support and advise the Principal and Excalibur Academies Trust’s Board of Trustees in delivering effective welfare, behaviour and extra-curricular provision. In every aspect of its work, ACs look through the lens of the child, asking: “What is it like to attend this school?”, whilst being mindful to avoid adding to the Principal’s workload.
ACs help shape a school’s vision, build links with local community, provide specialist volunteer skills/knowledge and give vital input to statutory processes (for example complaints, exclusions and recruitment).
The responsibility of monitoring and improving educational outcomes lies with the Trust’s professional Academy Improvement Team.
Responsibilities
To fulfil these functions, the Academy Committee has the following responsibilities:
- Culture, vision and ethos
- Personal development and staff and pupil welfare
- Behaviour and Attendance
- Extra-Curricular provision
- Safeguarding
- Engagement and promotion within local community
- Staffing, behaviour and complaints panels
- Senior management recruitment/performance management
Governor Roles
The Academy Committee must appoint Governors to the following roles: Health & Safety Governor, Safeguarding Governor & SEND Governor. Depending on the school’s size, additional roles should also be assigned; examples include Education Performance Governor, Pupil Premium & Inclusion Governor and Finance Governor.
Safeguarding & Training
Excalibur maintains a strong safeguarding culture and ethos, with all Governors applying for an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, in addition to undertaking mandatory safeguarding and cyber-security training. It is the responsibility of the nominated Safeguarding Governor to ensure this is adhered to and the Trust monitors compliance. Supplementary training to support Governors in their role is also available.
All Governors and Trustees must agree to be bound by the Excalibur Academies Trust Code of Conduct, with annual compulsory recommitment and declaration of business interests.
More information
Further information about the Excalibur’s Academy Committees can be found by visiting: https://www.excalibur.org.uk/governance/join-us/ or contacting the Trust’s Head of Governance Cathryn Poole: Cathryn.poole@excalibur.org.uk
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Megan Ashton MEng CEng MRAeS
Chair of Governors
I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Chair of Governors for Easton Royal Academy. It is a privilege to take on this role, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, enthusiastic children, and supportive parents, guardians and wider community.
I am deeply committed to fostering a positive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Our school has a proud tradition of 'excellence in adventure', and I am eager to build on this strong foundation to ensure that our children receive the best possible education. As Chair of Governors, my primary focus will be on supporting the school leadership team in delivering high-quality education, promoting student and staff well-being, and ensuring effective governance. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, and I am keen to hear your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Together, we can create a supportive community that encourages every child to achieve their full potential.
Professionally, I am an air engineering officer in the Royal Navy, and have several years experience of delivering training and education in a military setting. I look forward to using my experience and skill set to benefit the school community.
Those who I do not already know, I look forward to meeting over the coming months at our various school events. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable to us, and I am committed to being accessible and responsive.
Thank you for your continued support of Easton Royal Academy. I am excited about the journey ahead and confident that, together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our children.
Dr Rob Faure-Walker (NPQSL)
Parent and Safeguarding Governor
I am a former teacher, having taught in London secondary schools for over 10 years, and now work at the UCL Institute of Education.
My research has been at the forefront of critical appraisal of the impacts of UK counterterrorism duties on schools. I also have research focuses in critical policy analysis, critical realism, love, and helping policymakers avoid the trap of policy-led evidence.
Mrs Flic Ellmes (MPA, MBACP)
Parent and SEND Governor
I have worked in children’s services for over 20 years as a youth and community work practitioner and counsellor, with specialisms in mental health, young carers, partnership work and youth participation. I am passionate about helping children and their families to get the best opportunities to develop and thrive.
I have a son at Easton Royal Academy and watching him fall in love with the different approaches to learning which the fantastic team provide to the pupils at the school makes me want to be as involved as I can to help nurture their journey through childhood.
Mrs Lulu Anthistle
Parent Governor
As a mother of three children all currently attending Easton Royal Academy I was very pleased to have the opportunity to become further involved in our fantastic school.
Experiencing school life across all the year groups over the last 6 years and all the accompanying joys and challenges, gives me great insight into the parent perspective. I am a huge advocate for Easton Royal Academy and am passionate about helping to ensure the excellent teaching and provision is upheld.
I work as an artist, living in Milton Lilbourne, enjoying views of the sheep and cows from my studio. I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful community in such a beautiful part of the world.
Mr Richard Holloway
Community Governor
Retired television production executive who lives in Easton Royal.
Passionate about all things Italian, Formula One and music. Loves the country life as long as London continues to be accessible.
Mrs Anne Curry
Community Governor
I am delighted to be part of ERA as a Community Governor.
I come from a tiny village in Wales, and attended Warwick Uni to study law-where I met my husband Mark.
We have two children, aged 22 and 17.
I have a LLM in Criminal Justice, and am a company director and barrister.
In my spare time I sing in Andover Ladies Choir, run various social media accounts, enjoy reading crime novels, and attend as many plays and musicals as I can.
I have lived in Milton Lilbourne for 25 years, and know that ERA holds a very special place in the local community, with super people who are clearly passionate about the education and well-being of all pupils.
ERA shows that small can be mighty!
Mrs Julie McKay
Staff Governor
Mrs McKay is an experienced teacher at the school and has taught every age-group in her time here. She is currently Early Years and Maths leader as well as being our deputising senior teacher.
Mrs Alison O'Shaughnessy
Support Staff Governor
Mrs O'Shaughnessy is our Admin and Finance officer and is often the first face or voice people see or hear when they visit us. The glue that holds the school together!
All three of her, now adult, children have been through the school.
Governance Structure
Our Local Academy Committee sits in the following governance structure of Excalibur Academies Trust:
