Governance
As per our Sycamore Church of England Multi-Academy Trust Articles of Association and Scheme of Delegation, each school within the Sycamore Church of England Multi-Academy Trust has its own Local Academy Committee (LAC), which must have a minimum of 2 parent partners in its membership.
The Local Academy Committee (LAC) is made up of Local Governors who support and challenge the school leadership, ensuring the school reflects the values and strategic direction of the Trust while meeting the needs of its local community.
Local Academy Committees have powers and responsibility delegated to them by the Trust Board of Directors and from the Chief Executive Officer, so that those people closest to a school have the prerogative to work in partnership effectively.
We strongly believe that excellent schools have excellent leadership and management from within.
The Trust has a duty to ensure that it enables excellent leadership in each of our schools through empowerment and support.
The Sycamore Church of England Multi-Academy Trust Governance Handbook includes the terms of reference for Local Academy Committees and outlines the code of conduct for partners at all levels.
Local Academy Committee
Title | Name | Role | Term of Office From To | Appointed or Elected | |
Mrs | Catherine Hamilton | Chair of LAC | 01.02.2026 | 01.09.2028 | The Sycamore Trust |
Mrs | Jayne Deakin | Vice Chair of LAC | 01.02.2026 | 18.10.2027 | The Sycamore Trust |
| Mr | Martin Van-Hecke | 01.09.2026 | Ex officio | Executive Headteacher | |
Miss | Hannah Duffy |
| 01.09.2026 | Ex officio | Interim Head Teacher |
Mrs | Gwen White |
| 01.02.2026 | 16.10.2027 | The Sycamore Trust |
| Mr | David Seddon |
| 01.02.2026 | 11.03.2029 | The Sycamore Trust |
| Mrs | Laura Armstrong |
| 01.02.2026 | 16.10.2028 | Elected by Parents |
| Mr | Nicholas Murray | 01.02.2026 | 16.10.2028 | Elected by Parents | |
| Mrs | Julia Hall | 01.02.2026 | 27.03.2028 | Elected by Parents | |
Mrs | Jane Hicks |
| 01.02.2026 | 18.10.2027 | Elected by Staff |
Specific LAC members
We have governors who take responsibility for specific areas:
Mrs Catherine Hamilton- Safeguarding and Children in Care (CYPIC)
Mrs Laura Armstrong - Well Being
Mrs Gwen White - Attendance