Primary School Governance – Local Academy Committee Summary
Primary School Governance – Local Academy Committee Summary
The Local Academy Committee (LAC) operates as part of the academy trust and works under the authority of the Trust Board. While strategic control and legal responsibility sit with the Trust Board, the LAC provides local oversight, challenge, and support for the school.
Members of our Local Academy Committee are deeply committed to the school and the wider Hanley St Luke’s community, serving voluntarily in pursuit of excellence for all our children. They hold school leaders to account through termly committee meetings and focused link visits, ensuring robust monitoring and meaningful challenge.
The committee scrutinises key areas including pupil attainment and progress, inclusivity, curriculum quality, Early Years, English, mathematics, and the wider curriculum, alongside safeguarding and financial management, in line with trust policies and the Scheme of Delegation.
The LAC acts as a vital link between the school, the Trust Board, parents, and the local community, bringing valuable local knowledge and context to trust-level decision-making. Members do not manage the school day-to-day but contribute constructively to school improvement through support and challenge.
We are fortunate to have governors who bring a wealth of expertise and experience, including professionals from outstanding local schools, The Alice Charity, and the emergency services. At a time when schools nationally report significant challenges in recruiting governors, we are proud to have a dedicated, skilled, and committed committee serving our school.
In summary, the Local Academy Committee strengthens governance by combining strong local insight with trust-wide accountability, ensuring the school is well supported and effectively overseen within the academy structure.