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Governance

Become a Parent Governor at Plympton Academy

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to our school community. Our goal is to ensure that your child achieves not only fantastic academic progress, but also has a wonderful experience of school life at Plympton Academy.

Parent governors play a vital role on school governing bodies, holding the unique position of having a parental viewpoint of the school. Through the children, they have first-hand experience of the delivery of the curriculum and this enables them to bring a different perspective to the strategic management of the school.

We currently have a vacancy for a parent governor on our Academy Advisory Board (AAB) which we would like to fill as soon as possible. Parent governors serve a four-year term of office and the AAB on which they sit meets three times per year.

Parent Governor flyer

The AGB has a vital role to play in making sure every pupil receives the best possible education. This is achieved by ensuring that governors have the necessary skills and commitment to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school. The particular skills that governing bodies need will vary and will include personal qualities and capabilities, such as the ability and willingness to learn and work as part of a team. It is expected that governors will make use of the various training opportunities available to them and play a full part in the work of the AGB.

Whilst previous experience of school governance is useful, this is by no means a pre-requisite for this role as full support and induction training is provided. Most importantly, we seek a parent governor who has a passion for the inclusive education that Plympton Academy provides and is keen to work in a supportive but challenging way with the Senior Leadership of the school, to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality education for children of families in our local community.

If you are interested in becoming a governor and wish to discuss this, please contact governance@tsatrust.org.uk.

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:

  • Parent representatives
  • Staff representatives
  • Trust-appointed governors
  • Community governors

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:

  • Hold academy leadership to account for educational performance, quality of care and provision
  • Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and strategic priorities are delivered within the academy
  • Monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and progress against the School Improvement Plan
  • Represent and consider stakeholder voices in strategic decision-making
  • Contribute to the performance management of the Headteacher, including the involvement of the AGB Chair in annual professional growth reviews

AGB Members

RoleMemberMeetings AttendedOut of a Possible
ChairJanina Villalta 33
Community MemberHelen Quinn23
Community MemberRoger Carlton23
Community MemberRyan McIntosh 33
    
TrustCatherine Lewin23

 

 

Name

Type

Link Roles

Appointed By

Date of Appointment

Term of Office

Date Stepped Down

Business Interests

Janina Villalta

Staff - Trust Link 

Chair / Pupil Premium/ risk and Compliance

Board

 Sept 2024

 4 Years

 

 

Helen Quinn

Community

Vice Chair / Outcomes 

Board

 Sept 2024

 4 Years

 

 

Catherine Lewin

Staff - Trust Link 

STEM

Careers and Digital 

Board

 Sept 2024

 4 Years

 

 
Ryan McIntoshCommunityCurriculumBoardJan 2025 4 Years  
Roger Carlton Community Wellbeing BoardSept 20244 Years January 2026  
Amy Addlesee ParentBehavior Board Sept 2024 4 Years September 2025  
        

 

I’m interested in getting involved. How do I find out more?

If you would like to know more about the role of parent or co-opted member or the appointment process you can contact our Clerk of Governors governance@tsatrust.org.uk

Or, if you know someone who would be a brilliant board member, please pass our details on, as we are currently looking for people with commitment and enthusiasm to contribute to our academy.

Regional Governance - Regional Governing Body RGB

The South West Regional Governing Body governs Plympton Academy. For information on the role of the RGB and its members please follow the link here.

The Board of Directors

For information on the role of the Board of Directors, members and minutes please follow the link here.

PAN Consultation Letter

Please click here for the letter and survey regarding the admissions consultation 2025.