Governance

"At Thomas Clarkson Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point. With commitment, collaboration, and ambition, we can shape a brighter future for our pupils and our community."
— David Bailey, Chair of Governors, Thomas Clarkson Academy

Welcome from the Chair

DBA 2

My name is David Bailey as Chair of the Thomas Clarkson Academy, I would like to extend a warm welcome to those of you visiting our website.

As we begin a new academic year I look forward to working with staff, pupils and parents of the Academy. Our focus will be on educational excellence, character development and services to communities.  We want to offer pupils the opportunity to accomplish whatever they set their minds to and make a positive and lasting contribution to Wisbech and the wider fenland community.

I am incredibly grateful to my fellow Governors for voluntarily devoting so much of their time and effort to helping the academy continually improve its education offer. We work in close collaboration with all other Academies within the Brooke Weston Trust, continually reviewing and refining the quality of our provision to ensure that the academy has effective strategic and operational systems in place. We also ensure that the Academies staff – through training opportunities and continuous professional development – are fully equipped to provide an outstanding quality of education to pupils and deliver on our vision to nurture today’s young people and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

I have no doubt that the combined experience, skills and knowledge of our Local Governing Board, Senior Leadership Team and staff will ensure that we offer the very best education to all members of the Academy community, regardless of their starting point. Working alongside parents who share our passion to create a bright and promising future for our pupils, we will surely succeed in our ambitions.

Our most recent OFSTED inspection, resulted in our school continuing to be rated as being “Good”,  This endorsement was a reward for the immense efforts of all staff members in providing the best opportunities for our children in their formative education years. 

To summarise, we all want to provide your child with the best possible start in life to succeed and it is my belief that with the right commitment from everyone- the Governors, staff and yourselves we will succeed in this aim

If you see me at a school event, please feel free to speak to me and have a chat.

With all good wishes

David Bailey
Chair of Governors
Thomas Clarkson Academy

Contact
To contact the Chair of Governors, David Bailey, please email:

At Thomas Clarkson Academy (TCA), the Local Governing Board (LGB) plays a vital role in supporting strong leadership, holding the Principal to account, and ensuring high standards for students and staff. As a committee of the Trust Board, governors meet at least three times a year to challenge and support the school’s performance, safeguard its values, and ensure it is meeting the needs of its pupils and community.

TCA is part of the Brooke Weston Trust, a multi-academy trust. The LGB acts as a local committee, gathering insight and information that supports the strategic work of the Trust Board and helps inform decision-making at a trust-wide level.

Working closely with the Principal, Director of Education, and Trust leaders, governors:
• Help shape strategic priorities and ensure accountability
• Monitor educational outcomes and compliance
• Ensure pupil wellbeing, inclusion, and behaviour remain high
• Represent the local community and maintain strong relationships with families and stakeholders

We follow the Trust’s 4S model of governance, which focuses on:
Standards, Safeguarding, SEND, and Stakeholders.
This ensures that governors concentrate on the most impactful areas for school improvement and pupil success.

Local governance is essential in upholding the Trust’s mission to ensure that no child is left behind, and that every student receives the best possible education and a ‘ticket for life’.

Find out more about Governance in the Trust - Click Here

NAME OF GOVERNOR

ROLE

APPOINTING
BODY

 DATE APPOINTED

TERM OF OFFICE ENDS

ATTENDANCE
2024-25
David Bailey

Chair
Co-opted Governor

 Academy Members Sep 2012 Aug 2028 3/3
Matthew Dobbing Associate Principal Ex officio Ex officio Ex officio N/A
Richard Scott Executive Principal Ex officio Ex officio Ex officio N/A
Robyn Murrell Clerk to Governors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Jason Bishop Co-opted Governor LGB Jan 2024 Jan 2026 2/3
Paul Medd Co-opted Governor LGB Sep 2012 Aug 2028 1/3
Jan Hutchinson Vice-Chair
Co-opted Governor		 LGB Sep 2012 Aug 2028 2/3
Michelle Flanz Co-opted Governor LGB Nov 2022 Nov 2026 3/3
Sarah Toms Parent Governor Elected by parents Apr 2023 Apr 2027 2/3
Jamie Burton Co-opted Governor LGB Nov 2024 Nov 2028 1/3

DECLARATION OF BUSINESS INTERESTS 2025/26

NAME OF GOVERNOR

ROLE

APPOINTING BODY

APPOINTED

DATE OF RESIGNATION
Rhiannon Gant Co-opted Governor LGB Jan 2024 Dec 2024