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The Trust Governance Model
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust governance model is different from that of a traditional maintained school.
Governance within the Trust operates through a clear layered structure, combining strong local oversight with Trust-wide strategic accountability.
Local governance is delivered through the Academy Governing Body (AGB), with overall responsibility held by the Trust Board of Directors.
This ensures that each school benefits from dedicated local governors who understand the community, alongside consistent Trust-wide leadership and assurance.
For information on the role of the Board of Directors, Members and Board minutes please follow the link here: www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/
Academy Governing Body (AGB)
Each academy (or small cluster of academies) has an Academy Governing Body.
AGBs typically consist of between 8 and 11 governors in addition to the Headteacher, made up of:
Governors are appointed or elected based on the skills and experience required to support effective governance. Governors usually serve a term of four years and AGBs meet a minimum of six times per year.
The role of the Academy Governing Board
The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Board are to:
The AGB Members for Kings Ash Academy are:
Name | Role | Link Role | Appointed By | Date of Appointment | Term of Office | Date Stepped Down | Business Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Matt Harbour | Chair | Chair | AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years |
| Vice Principal South Devon College |
Jenny Taylor | Vice Chair & Parent Governor | Special Educational Needs | AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years |
| Harbertonford CofE Primary |
Tim Stephens | Community Governor | Safeguarding | AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years |
| Acorns Pre-School CSA AGB, Chair Governor representative on Torbays Schools Forum Vice Chair of the SW RAB |
Rob Tyler | Community Governor | Curriculum & Achievement | AGB | 26/01/2026 | 4 years |
| Director & Shareholder – Unex Designs Ltd Director & Shareholder – Pet Remedy Ltd Academy Member – Churston Ferrers Grammar School Married to staff member |
Andy Saunders | Staff Governor | Community Engagement | AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years |
| Staff member at KAA |
Laura Ford | Staff Governor | Attendance & Behaviour | AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years |
| Staff member at KAA |
Phil Hood | Parent Governor | Risk & Compliance | AGB | 25/02/2026 |
|
| Grandparent at KAA – Retired Company Director |
Debbie Hood | Parent Governor | Pupil Premium & Personal Devlopment (inclusion) | AGB | 25/02/2026 |
|
| Grandparent at KAA – Retired Civil Servant |
Alice Hackett | Community Governor |
| AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years | 13/02/2026 |
|
Claire-Marie Taylor | Parent Governor |
| AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years | 13/02/2026 |
|
Tim Sandercombe | Community Governor |
| AGB | 06/01/2025 | 4 years | 13/02/2026 |
|
To explore Governor vacancies available within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, please visit our recruitment website or email governance@tsatrust.org.uk.
AGB Formed January 2025
More information about the AGB and governance across the Thinking School Academy Trust can be found at:
http://www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/