Academy Council
Notice of Academy Parent Councillor Election
Governance within a multi-academy trust
Bristol Metropolitan 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.
Similar to a Governing Body, the role of the Council is primarily to support and scrutinise the activities of the Academy to ensure the highest standards are achieved for students and staff alike. Each Academy Council plays a full role in monitoring the delivery of outstanding teaching across the Federation. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated team of experienced colleagues in the Bristol Metropolitan Academy Council from a wide range of backgrounds who are passionate about supporting the Academy.
Academy Councillors
Chair – Laura Walder
I joined the Academy Council in 2023. Since graduating from university in the city, I have worked within Bristol’s charity sector and am a qualified H&S professional. I have keen interest in the arts and the natural world, and I am passionate about education and learning.
As Chair, I lead the Academy Council, providing strategic direction, as well as support for the senior leadership team. As Chair of Academy Council meetings and I oversee recruitment to the Council.
Sponsor Councillor and SEND Lead – Dr Jo Duffy
Following five years as an academic, I have worked at a national research funder for the past seventeen years in a variety of senior roles. I currently work as a senior research governance and policy manager with responsibilities relating to policy harmonisation, continuous improvement, ethics and integrity, and complaints and misconduct.
I came to Bristol in 2003 and have lived in Fishponds since 2008 with my husband and my two children, who both attend BMA.
I became an academy councillor because I’m keen to do what I can to support the school in its aims, building a positive learning environment and cohesive school community to support students to meet their full potential. Part of my role as Academy Councillor is to act as the link Councillor for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
Sponsor Councillor – Awaiting confirmation
Sponsor Councillor and Careers Lead – Liam Suter
Until my recent relocation to Bristol I worked in a number of top performing state and independent schools in London. Initially, I held roles promoting more able education, school ethos, and enrichment. Over time, I gravitated toward roles supporting post-16 and post-18 transitions, undertaking an MSc in the subject at the University of Oxford, and ultimately leading a Sixth Form. The common thread of all of these roles is an interest in delivering change at pace in order to build effective structures and purposeful cultures. I now work in the Civil Service, with a particular interest in how business, schools and policy can best direct, support, and utilise the talents of school leavers.
I am incredibly glad to serve as a Councillor, and grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and expertise in education to the mission of BMA.
Sponsor Councillor & Safeguarding Lead – Trish Tendai Njerekai
Joining the school council felt like a natural step, and I’m excited to be part of it. My role in safeguarding will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the environment in which students learn.
I’m currently training as an auditor, and I hope to bring both my professional skills and my passion for education to the council, while working together to make a positive difference at BMA.
Parent councillor – Vacancy
Parent Councillor – Chloe Aldam
My involvement in education began when our first child started at a local Bristol kindergarten, where I became class representative—a role I continued throughout all three of our children’s primary school years. Joining the governance of CLF represents a natural progression of this commitment to local educational support.
Initially starting my career in Conservation Genetics after my Degree and Masters at the University of York, I worked at Long Ashton Research Station before its closure in 2003. I jumped sideways into self-employment as a Bowen Therapist, working with both people and horses, allowing greater freedom & flexibility when our children were young. I have since expanded my qualifications to include NLP Master Practitioner and ICF Coaching credentials, enabling me to support parents on their broader life journeys.
As neurodiversity is part of our family’s everyday experience, I bring firsthand understanding of diverse approaches to learning and family life.
Staff Councillor – Aysha Muzaffar
I have worked in education as an English teacher and a SEND leader for almost 15 years. I have great passion for empowering SEND students and their families fostering a relationship based on trust, respect and mutual understanding. I thrive on creating an environment that focuses on inclusivity and believe making changes and modifications will reduce barriers to learning.
I chose to become an Academy Councillor because I wanted to give something back to my Fishponds community through my energy, passion and hardworking attitude.
Becoming a councillor has allowed me to ring-fence time out that I can spend getting to know another group of educational professionals. Schools are the heart of communities, and this role has allowed me to meet people who care hugely about the future of the students and area in which they live.
Teacher Councillor – Dave Vince
I am the Deputy Programme Leader of Design Technology at BMA as well as a teacher of IT. I have been working at BMA since 2014 when I joined as a learning support mentor. This experience sparked an interest and passion in educating young people, resulting in me training to become a teacher. I have held a teaching position at BMA since 2020 where I have been fortunate enough to work alongside both fantastic students and teaching staff.
I jumped at the chance to become a governor for the school to gain greater insight and understanding of the education system, to better enable me to support the students’ journey through their education. The position of councillor also affords me the opportunity to support my colleagues with their practice ensuring all parties involved are working harmoniously to achieve a rich and positive student-led learning environment.
Clerk to the Council – Sue Burns
If you wish to contact a member of the council please contact the Clerk to the Council:
Email: Sue.Burns@clf.uk
Letter: c/o Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Snowdon Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2HD.
