Governance (Academy Council)
As an academy we refer to our Local Governing Body as an Academy Council (AC).
The Academy Council is a group of volunteers who work with the Principal and the staff of the school to ensure that all our children and young people receive the best possible learning experience. Academy Council Members are not expected to make day to day decisions about the running of the Academy, this is the job of the Principal. Academy Council members bring a variety of skills and need to have the ability to listen, think through new ideas and decide what is best for the Academy. They work as a team and regularly attend meetings.
We have appointed a Meridian Trust SEND Trustee – Judith Salter
Key information, including governance structure, is available on: https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/position/trustees/
To contact the Academy Council, please email Graham Whiting, Clerk to the Academy Council: GWhiting@gov.meridiantrust.co.uk or write to him at Martin Bacon Academy, Stirling Road, Northstowe, CB24 1DH.
Prue Rayner
Academy Council Member (Chair)
Prue gained a BEd (hons) in 1983 at the University of London, and after graduation followed a career path which led her to, amongst others, Milton Road Infant School, Fulbourn Primary...
Karen Chapman
Academy Council Member
I have 35 years’ experience as a carer for my son, daughter and mother-in-law, a strong sense of the social impact, inclusion and understand the importance of good schooling provision...
Larry Amure
Academy Council Member
I joined Meridian Trust as an Academy Council Member in January 2020 on the recommendation of a friend who had been a member. I obtained a B.Sc. (Bristol), and a...
Mary Abeyasekera
Executive Director of SENDV
Mary joined Meridian Trust in September 2017 following her role as an HMI and one of Ofsted’s National Leads for SEND. During her time with Ofsted, she introduced the Local...
Sarah Louise
Interim Associate Executive Principal of SEND and head of MBA
Sarah trained in 1997 and brings with her 27 years of experience in SEN. Sarah joined Meridian Trust in January 2020 following her roles both in the UK and Uganda...
Claire Mills
Claire Mills is the Principal of Martin Bacon Academy’s neighbouring school, Northstowe Learning Community.
Nadine Gooding-Herbert
Academy Council Member
Nick Drury
Academy Council Member
I began my working life 34 years ago at the age of 17, undertaking an Engineering Apprenticeship with Rolls Royce. After completing my apprenticeship, I moved into the IT industry...
Philippa Garn
Academy Council Member
Philippa has twenty years’ experience in the education sector as a qualified teacher, SENCo and local authority adviser. She currently works for Therapeutic Thinking Ltd as a senior consultant, where...
William Hawes
Intrum Head of School
William Hawes (Billy), Head of School, joined the Meridian Trust in February 2023. Starting his teaching career in 2011, William has undertaken a range of leadership roles across specialist education that have shaped his experience and led him to his current position at Martin Bacon Academy. Throughout his career, William has remained committed to ensuring that all children and young people receive the support, provision and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
William is passionate about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and is dedicated to helping learners overcome barriers, develop independence and thrive both in school and beyond. He is incredibly proud to be part of Martin Bacon Academy and the wider Meridian Trust, working alongside talented colleagues, families and professionals to create meaningful opportunities and life-changing outcomes for young people