Academy Council
Governance within a multi-academy trust
Winterstoke Hundred 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.
Winterstoke Hundred Academy Council
Kathryn Volk – Chair
I graduated from university in South Africa with a degree in Veterinary Science and work as an Associate Veterinarian at a local practice. I strongly believe that the greatest gift we can give a child is an education. I felt that by joining the academy council it would enable me to do my best to ensure that every child received the best possible education available to them.
Samantha Wright – Academy Councillor
Bio & photo to follow
Vacancy – Executive Principal
Charlotte Sexton – Student Advocate
My name is Charlotte Sexton and I’m the Student Advocate on the WHA Academy Council.
I am the Deputy Head of Year 8 and a tutor for Pankhurst at WHA and I also have responsibility for Breakfast club, I’m also leading on the Anti -Bullying campaign. I believe that every students voice should be heard and students deserve a fair representation. I believe that the students deserve the highest level of education, as many opportunities as possible and the highest support. #bekind #besafe #workhard
Sally Whitten – Parent Councillor
I am a newly appointed Parent Governor with strong family links to the school community. Having lived in the local area for six years, I am proud to be involved in and support the school.
My professional background is in people management across several industries, most recently in the automotive sector. Following recent cancer treatment, I have stepped back from full-time work to work part-time in community care, allowing me to focus on my family and give back to the local community.
I am passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing and education and became a governor to help ensure the school remains a safe, supportive, and positive environment where all pupils can thrive. I bring a caring and enthusiastic approach to the role and look forward to contributing to the continued development of the school.
Ciaran Elster – Teacher Councillor
Originally from a small village in the midlands of Ireland, I have been living in the UK since 2017. I am predominantly a languages teacher, with Spanish my main specialism having lived in Spain for two years, although when I first went to university I did a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Trinity College Dublin. Having worked at Winterstoke Hundred Academy since the school first opened in September 2020, I have a huge passion for teaching and for being a member of the teaching team at WHA. The staff here are a pleasure to work with and I am pleased to represent them on the Academy Council.
Vacancy – Support Councillor
Additional Information
If you are interested in a governance role within Winterstoke Hundred Academy Council, we would very much like to hear from you. Please contact Charlotte Seavill (Governance@clf.uk) who will be able to provide further information.
To contact the Chair of Academy Council, please mark your email for the attention of Felicity Williamson at wha-info@clf.uk.
Minutes of the Academy Council meetings will be published here once approved.
Pecuniary Interest Register 2025-26
Pecuniary Interest Register 2024-25
