Governance

Wording for Schools AGB page;

The TSAT Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are three elements to the governance of the TSAT academies; local governance which is delivered via the Academy Governing Board (AGB), a Regional Review and Assurance Board (RAB) which ensures local governance is effective, and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust Board of Directors.

There is an Academy Governing Board for each school (or small cluster of schools) which consists of a group 8-11 governors made up of the Headteacher, Parents, Staff, Trust link staff and Community members who are appointed with the skills needed to fulfil the responsibilities of the AGB. Governors are elected for a term of 4 years and meet a minimum of 6 times a year. 

The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Body are to:

• Hold Academy leadership to account for schools’ academic performance, quality of care and provision;

• Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and priorities are delivered within the Academy;

• Oversee and monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and implementation of the School Improvement Plan 

• Ensure consideration is given to stakeholder voices in strategic decision making and policy setting

• Have involvement in the performance management of the Headteacher via the AGB Chair’s inclusion in annual professional growth reviews.

AGB Members for Penbridge Schools are:

Name Roles Link Role Start of Term Length of Term Appointed by Business Interest End of Term
Lorraine Marsh Chair 03.10.2025 Board of Directors N/A  
Dawn Trimby  Vice Chair 03.10.2025 Board of Directors N/A 
Anna WebbExecutive Headteacher  01.09.2024 Board of Directors N/A 
Caroline Morris Head of School 01.09.2024 Board of Directors N/A 
Claire FilsonAssistant Head - Staff Governor SEND01.09.2024 Board of Directors Staff Member 
Emma ChapmanData Officer - Staff Governor Digital & Parental Engagement 01.09.2024 Board of Directors Staff Member 
Linda McLeanCommunity Governor Diversity & Wellbeing 01.09.2025 Board of Directors N/A 
Elizabeth Hardman SEND & Parental Engagement 01.09.2024 Board of Directors N/A 
Vicky HungerfordTrust Governor 

Teaching & Learning  - Juniors

Curriculum

01.09.2024 Board of Directors TSAT Staff 
Danielle Masters Trust Governor 

Teaching & Learning  

Curriculum

03.02.2026 Board of Directors TSAT Staff 
Helen McDonald Community Governor 

Teaching & Learning  - Juniors

Curriculum

01.09.2024 Board of Directors TN/A 
        
        

To explore Governor vacancies available within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, please visit our recruitment website or email governance@tsatrust.org.uk.

More information about the AGB and governance across the Thinking School Academy Trust can be found at:
http://www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/

Governing board meetings attendance during academic year 2024/25  

Name Meetings Attended Out of a Possible 
Anna Webb66
Caroline Morris66
Karen Denton 55
Claire Filson6

6

Emma Chapman66
Lorraine Marsh66
Vicky Snagg46
Emmaline Horn36
Lizzy Hardman66
Ellie Clemmans66
Helen Mcdonald 66
   

Governing board meetings attendance during academic year 2025/26 

 

Name Meetings Attended Out of a Possible 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Governors who have stepped down in the last 12 months:


Name

RoleLink RoleAppointed ByDate AppointmentTerm of Office Date Stepped Down Business Interests 
Eloise ClemmansChair                    Board of Governors01.09.202412 months01.09.2025Trust HR Officer 
Vicky SnaggParent Governor  Board Of Governors01.09.202413mpnths 01.10.2025Works for Portsmouth City Council
Emmaline HornParent Governor  Board of Governors 01.09.202413 months 01.10.2025