Academy Council
Governance within a multi-academy trust
Post 16 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 9 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.
Vacancy – Chair of Academy Council
Dereth Wood – Sponsor Councillor (Interim Chair) – Safeguarding Link
I started my career as a maths teacher initially in Kenya through VSO and then in East London. After a few years I moved on to work in the voluntary sector for CSV managing adult learning and enterprise programmes.
My next step was into planning and managing adult learning, careers programmes and lifelong learning provision as Director of Education for Avon TEC. As the use of the internet and now the web has grown and transformed our everyday lives, I was attracted by the potential of online blended delivery of learning as a new way to support learning for adults and in 2005 took up a role with learndirect.
I worked as a Director of learndirect for 15 years and led Operations, Customer Service Learning Design teams. I am now semi-retired and working as a strategic advisor focussing on designing Apprenticeship opportunities with large companies. In recent years, I was part of the national Commission for Adult Vocational and Technical Learning.
I have lived in South Bristol for the last 25 years and have 2 sons who are in further and higher education.
Ceri Sharples – Sponsor Councillor
Bob Thompson – Sponsor Councillor
Chartered Engineer and Project Professional at UK MOD providing specialist support to the Defence Equipment portfolio. His background bridges Cyber, Space and Intelligence systems with a focus on Surveillance & Communications. He works with Industry, across Government and with International partners. He is a product of the DESG Student & Graduate scheme and has enjoyed placements and postings in Germany, Cyprus and Washington DC. Now settled in Bristol, married to Tracy with one daughter and the dog. His hobbies include water sports (preferably sub-surface), food and travel. He is passionate about developing others, particularly in STEM subjects and recently joined the Cabot Learning Foundation as a Councillor for Post 16 (Sixth Form) where he hopes to focus on promoting the skills leading to apprenticeships and technical professions.
Vacancy – Sponsor Councillor
Stacey Gwynn – Support Staff Councillor
I began my career in education as a teaching assistant straight after leaving school and, although I’ve explored roles in other sectors, I’ve always found my way back to education. For the past seven years I’ve worked in safeguarding in secondary school and recently joined CLF Post 16 as Pastoral Lead for Safeguarding. I’m passionate about ensuring all students can access education, no matter their circumstances. Alongside my career, I’ve completed a master’s degree in Advanced Child Protection and remain committed to continuous learning to strengthen my practice and impact. I moved to Bristol in 2012 with my husband and our three children, drawn by the city’s vibrant energy. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, music and theatre, cooking and hosting, and staying active through running and the gym.
Vacancy – Teaching Staff Councillor
Vacancy – Sponsor Councillor
Rebecca Henderson – Parent Councillor
Vacancy – Parents’ Voice Councillor
Clerk to the Council – Jacqueline Friday
If you wish to contact a member of the council please contact the Clerk to the Council:
Email: jackie.friday@clf.uk
Letter: c/o CLF Post 16 Academy, Woodside Road, Bristol BS15 8BD
Register of Academy Council Pecuniary and Business Interests with meeting attendance 2025-2026
