Academy Committees
The Academy Committees (ACs) support the Trustees to fulfil their responsibility for oversight of each school within the Trust, acting as the eyes and ears of the Board at local level. Their role is more focused than that of a traditional school governing body. The SAST central team manages – finance, HR, Estates, IT, and others.
The ACs responsibility is to monitor and scrutinise teaching and learning, welfare, and safeguarding issues. The ACs provide challenge and support to the Headteachers and senior leadership team, and represent the Trust to local stakeholders – parents, students, staff and the community. Two representatives of each AC are elected from among that school’s parents, while a further representative will be elected by the staff. The Headteacher is ex officio. The remaining representatives are appointed by the Trustees following recommendation from the AC and Headteacher, based on skills and experience, or in our Church of England academies, the Diocese of Salisbury and the Diocese of Bath & Wells receive and consider nominations and appoint. Ex ‘VA’ schools must have a majority of foundation representatives and ex ‘VC’ 25% of representatives must be foundation. Each AR is appointed for a term of four years, after which time, AC representatives, with agreement from the Diocese or Trustees, may agree to renewal of further term(s).
The AC will meet at the beginning of each full term (three times a year), plus an additional meeting to review published exam performance. Typically, this additional meeting will take place during the summer term for primary schools, once the SATS results have been published, whereas for secondary schools, this meeting will take place during the autumn term
Academy Committee Representatives (ACR)
Anna Hedges, Head of School
Term: Appointed September 2024
Natalie Lafferty, Chair of ACR
Term: January 2025 – January 2029
I graduated from medical school in 2008, and worked in Surrey before moving to Dorset in 2013. I also have a Graduate Diploma in Law. I have been working as a Urologist in Yeovil District Hospital since March 2023.
I love playing sports, but now spend most of my time watching my children participate instead! I am also a Leader in Training at the Guide and Ranger unit in Yetminster.
I have three children at St. Andrew’s, ranging in age from Reception to Year 6. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning, and encouraging children to reach their full potential, whilst being able to explore their own individuality in a safe and supportive environment.
As Chair, I look forward to working with the school, the other Academy Committee representatives, and parents and caregivers to support our children to love, learn, grow and flourish.
Jenny Thomas, Foundation ACR, Vice Chair
Term: April 2025 – April 2029
I have recently moved from Cornwall to Dorset. My experience in education is as a Headteacher and SIAMS inspector ,but also as a Governor of St.Mark and St.John University and as Chair of Governors of a large secondary academy school, both in Plymouth. I have also advised schools in Africa and Bangladesh. I am a Parish Councilor for Bradford Abbas and a Lay Canon of Truro Cathedral. A creative and excellent education is the best gift that we can give a child and that is what we aim for at St.Andrews.
Elle
n Gould, Parent ACR
Term: February 2022 – February 2026
After graduating from the Royal Agricultural University, I have had a varied work background, including working for Kingston Maurward College as a Marketing Executive and I currently work for the NHS in a GP Surgery as Assistant to the Practice Manager. I enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and we have lots of animals at home to keep us busy.
I have three children one of which currently attend St Andrew’s and I am looking forward to working with the Staff and ACRs to help continue and develop the best school environment and education for our children.
Rev George Moody, Foundation ACR
Term: May 2023 – June 2025
Responsible for Christian Distinctiveness
I am the Team Vicar in the Three Valleys Benefice. I live in Yetminster with my wife Alison. We are a family of six, with our eldest two at university, one at the Gryphon and one at Yewstock School. Before coming here I was a secondary school teacher for 25 years specialising in Philosophy and Religious Studies so I will have a focus on that area of teaching and on SIAMS. I cycle to stay fit and enjoy exploring the hills and byways of Dorset. I was once a keen sailor and now occasionally get to windsurf on the Dorset coast at Portland.
Zuni Phillips, Appointed ACR
Term: October 2022 – October 2026
I studied psychology at university and have since worked for Dorset Council for 13 years, supporting children and families in a variety of roles.
I have two children, one who attends St Andrew’s.
As early education and a person’s experience of school is central to their development and emotional wellbeing, I’m looking forward to working with St Andrews as they play such a vital role in the lives of so many children.
Jessica Burton, Appointed ACR
Term: March 2025 – March 2029
After spending the first ten years of my career in media production in Bristol, I then built a small business; running a local village shop and café in Dorset.
In 2023, I joined Dorset Police as a Constable and am excited to further my career within the force in the years ahead.
As a parent of three children, two of whom attend St Andrew’s School, I am deeply passionate about supporting and enhancing educational opportunities for all young people, empowering them to develop their skills and reach their full potential
Lauren Rowland, Parent ACR
Term: March 2025 – March 2029
Yetminster ACR Business Interests 2025 – 2026.docx
Nell Stonham is the administrative clerk to the AC.
If you wish to contact an ACR please email Nell – nell.stonham@sast.org.uk