King's Leadership Academy Bolton is part of the Great Schools Trust (GST), a company limited by guarantee.
The GST members and board of trustees are the proprietors of the trust and set the overarching vision and strategy for all of the GST academies. Trustees’ main responsibilities are the three core governance functions:
To discharge these duties successfully the board of trustees has delegated some of these responsibilities to executive leaders and local academy councils (LAC) (see the Scheme of Delegation for more information).
King's Bolton has a committed team of governors who are actively involved in school life. They successfully represent the local community and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a variety of professional backgrounds. Governors include parent and staff representatives.
The LAC has delegated oversight for curriculum and standards, community presence and safeguarding. This includes attendance, student welfare and health and safety. Finance and staffing are the direct responsibility of the trust board. Nevertheless, the GST governance structure allows each LAC chair to be appointed as a trustee. Therefore, local governance is represented in board discussions.
In short, LACs are an integral part of the Trust’s governance structure. They are the eyes and ears on the ground at the school level. The LAC supports the trust board by adhering to its core governance functions and by holding the school to account for performance and development. In addition, they support school leaders by acting as their ‘critical friend’.
Should you wish to contact the Chair of the Local Academy Council or LAC please contact the Trust’s director of governance, Michelle Jones, via email m.jones@greatschoolstrust.com or by post by addressing any correspondence for the attention of Michelle Jones at the school’s address:
Please note that any complaints regarding the school must be raised in line with our complaints policy and cannot be raised directly with the Local Academy Council.
Welcome to King’s Leadership Academy Bolton.
It is a great pleasure serving as the Local Advisory Council Chair, working with staff, pupils, parents, and the community to fulfil the school’s commitment to setting pupils up for success. As part of the Great Schools Trust, King’s aspires for excellence for all, developing young people’s independence, character, and intellect, to make them successful citizens of the future. Our values-based approach to education includes having the highest aspirations and ambitions for pupils, developing pride and persistence in learning, and creating well-rounded, honest, and self-aware young people.
The Local Advisory Council supports the trust and the school to meet this vision, holding the school to account by acting as its critical friend, defining the strategic vision, and monitoring and evaluating the performance and effectiveness of all components of school life. The LAC members include staff, parents, and local community representatives, all of whom bring a wide range of experience in the education sector.
Working together with King’s Leadership Academy staff, we too are passionate about creating an outstanding school environment where all pupils aspire to be the very best they can be, where education and enrichment enhance the progress and achievement our young people make, and where every member of the King’s community believe in, and achieve success.
Joanne Hornby- Chair of Governors and Trustee
I have been the LAC Chair for Kings Leadership Academy Bolton for three years, alongside my main job as Academic Operations Lead for Initial Teacher Training at the University of Bolton and my work in regional quality assurance.
I am a qualified teacher and have experience in teaching and leadership in secondary, further, and higher education. I am in the final year of my PhD and hold a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. Volunteering with Great Schools Trust enables me to provide guidance and support to best promote the Trust’s ‘Aspire’ ethos, resulting in excellent outcomes for its pupils.
Sofiana Bostan- Parent Governor
I have 17 years of teaching experience in various educational settings. During my career I have held a variety of leadership roles which have included responsibility for Early Years Ofsted Inspections, Safeguarding and Lead Practitioner for Philosophy and Ethics at KS3 and KS4.
I am passionate about the education that children receive and have a desire to ensure that every child gets the best possible education and opportunity to succeed in life.
I am proud to be part of such a vibrant learning community and to support King’s Bolton as a member of the Local Advisory Council.
Faruk Puda- Parent Governor
I was born in Bolton, and I have lived in Bolton all my life. When my first child enrolled at King’s Leadership Academy Bolton, I was very passionate and wanted to actively take part in this journey with him. I believe that all children and young adults should have the same opportunity to reach their full potential.
I am a Specialist lawyer in Immigration & Asylum based in Bolton and serve as a governor at King’s Leadership Academy Bolton.
My strength lies in my ability to remain calm in the most difficult situations. I also pride my teamwork and leadership skills which I have acquired through my career and commercial activities.
Ilyas Koya- Co-opted Governor
I was born and bred in Bolton and I am currently serving as an Imam at one of the mosques very close to King's Leadership Academy Bolton. I have been serving the local community for the best part of 14 years. I understand the importance of outstanding education and the part it plays in shaping the life of an individual. As part of my role as an Imam I work very closely with children from many different backgrounds and I am extremely passionate to see them thrive. As a governor at the King's Bolton, I hope to use my skills to make a positive contribution to the school and the wider community.
Stephanie Baglow- Staff Governor
I began working At King’s Leadership Academy Bolton when it opened in September 2019. I am currently the Principal Administrator at King’s and was delighted to be asked to be staff governor. I am also a governor at my three children’s primary school. Given that schools play such a central role in our children’s lives, I like to use my function as a governor to look towards student well-being and mental health.
Kelly James
Awaiting bio
The Local Academy Council currently has a vacancy for a co-opted governor. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in joining our LAC.