Our Structure

Our Structure  

Colyton Grammar School is a single academy trust. The Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 07445493) .  The Trust has four Members.  The Trustees are the registered directors of the trust and must ensure that the school is run in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.  

The Role of the Members of the Academy Trust Company 

Members have a limited but distinct role. They are the guardians of the Trust with responsibility for ensuring that the Trust fulfils its charitable function of providing effective educational provision. Members are responsible for approving the appointment of new Trustees and the removal of Trustees. As part of its oversight the Members’ group receives a copy of the Annual Accounts and appoints the External Auditors. Where, in exceptional circumstances, a Board is failing to fulfil its function Members may direct or even dismiss a Board. The Members must hold a an Annual General Meeting; this is usually held in December.  Meet the Members. 

The Role and Structure of the Board of Trustees 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for developing and overseeing the strategic direction of the school. The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for: 

  • ensuring the quality of education; 

  • ensuring high performance of the school in all areas;  

  • ensuring good financial health and probity; and  

  • supporting the school with management of staff. 

The running and management of the school is done by the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team.  The Board’s role is to provide effective challenge and support to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team to ensure excellence in all areas of the CGS.    

The Board of Trustees consists of the Headteacher together with a number of other trustees, some elected from the parent body and others appointed by the Members under Article 50.  You can find further information about our trustees’ here. 

The Board is led by a Chair and Vice Chair.  Trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds and are chosen to ensure a balance of skills across the Board. Trustees are generally in post for four years with the option to be reappointed for a further four years with a cap of eight years’ service in total. The combination of experienced trustees and new recruits ensures both continuity and a fresh approach.  Meet the Board of Trustees. 

The Board has meetings every half term in which the strategic work of the Board takes place; all Trustees are expected to attend Board Meetings.  You can see a register of attendance at Board meetings here. The Board of Trustee has appointed a Governance Officer, Ally Booker, who assists with ensuring compliance with governance matters.   

The Board has three subcommittees Remuneration Committee, Audit and Risk Committee and Admission Committee.  

The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for overseeing and approving teaching and support staff pay progression.  The committee meets annually, normally in November.  The committee has powers to act on behalf of the Board in accordance with its Terms of Reference.  

The Audit and Risk Committee has responsibility advising the Board and Accounting Officer regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust’s internal controls, risk management, governance and value for money systems and frameworks. The Committee also advises the Board regarding the appointment of auditors and the planned audit approach, as well as considering reports from the internal and external auditors and other bodies and ensuring that actions are taken where required. The committee has powers to act on behalf of the Board in accordance with its Terms of Reference. 

The Admission Committee has responsbility for overseeing Admissions to CGS.  The committee meets annually, normally in October.  The committee has powers to act on behalf of the Board in accordance with its Terms of Reference. 

The Board and Committee meetings are clerked by our Governance Officer and the minutes of the meetings can be requested by sending Mrs Booker an email. 

Focus Groups  

In addition, the Board has established some working groups, known as Focus Groups, to support the school’s senior leadership team in driving forward the school’s strategic plans and holding the school to account on standards and performance.  It ensures the best use of trustee expertise and efficient liaison with members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team and other members of staff. Focus Groups are each chaired by a Trustee who co-opts the skills and expertise of other trustees where this adds strength and value to particular projects.  Focus Groups have no devolved authority; the Trustees role is to monitor and report back to the Full Board.  

The Focus Groups are:  Education, Resources, CSR, and HR and Any Other Business.  

Education covers:    

  • Admissions  

  • Digital and blended learning  

  • Challenge (teaching and learning)  

  • Wellbeing  

  • Safeguarding  

Communications and Social Responsibility  

  • Marketing and communications  

  • Social media and the website  

  • Parents’ Association  

  • Community relations  

  • Alumni  

  • Fundraising  

Resources  

  • Finance  

  • Estate and premises management  

  • Catering  

Human Resources  

  • Oversight of issues and activities relating to teaching and administrative staff  

  • Staff assessment and development  

  • Staff wellbeing and work/life balance  

  • Reward and discipline 

Any Other Business 

  • Overview group whereby the Chair, Vice Chair of Trustees and Headteacher discuss any other matters arising.  

Key Governance Documents can be found here