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.
Jon Gould – Chair of Academy Council
I have been involved in School Governance in East Bristol for over 20 years and also work in a Bristol secondary school – this has helped my understanding of the needs of students, staff and parents/carers.
I believe that every child has the right to attend a good local school which is at the heart of its community. I am proud to be part of the team at CLF Post-16, which has the highest aspirations for the success of its students in every aspect of their lives
Samantha Bunn – Sponsor Councillor
Ceri Sharples – Sponsor Councillor
I’m passionate about learning and want to support young people to have the best possible start. Becoming an academy councillor feels like a meaningful way to give something back locally and to play a small part in helping schools create inclusive, ambitious environments. I’m also really interested in understanding the future workforce as it comes through education — their needs, expectations and experiences — so I can take those insights back into my role as an L&D Manager. It feels like a great opportunity to support the school while also strengthening the link between education and the world of work.
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
Vacancy – Sponsor Councillor
Leilah Boyce – Teaching Staff Councillor
With 28 years in education, I bring classroom expertise, strategic oversight from my time as a primary school governor, and the leadership perspective of a current middle leader. As a union rep, I understand staff wellbeing, policy implementation, and the importance of collaborative culture. I am committed to ensuring our CLF Academy Council supports both ambitious outcomes and a sustainable, supportive environment for teaching staff. My governance experience means I can ask the right questions, challenge effectively, and advocate for decisions that genuinely benefit pupils and colleagues alike. I am a dedicated, reflective, and solution-focused Teaching Staff Academy Councillor.
Vacancy – Support Staff 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
