Each of our Meridian Trust schools has its own Academy Council. The Council provides vital support and challenge to the school and Principal, with Academy Councillors meeting on a regular basis and visiting the school to meet staff and pupils. Academy Councillors are volunteers, enjoying the rewarding opportunity to contribute to the school community and champion the success of its pupils.
Earlier this week, we spoke to Elisabeth Every, an Academy Councillor (and Academy Council Chair) for Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form, to learn more about the role and its impact.
Tell us about your background and what led you to become an Academy Councillor?
I’ve always been fascinated by education and how schools function, but I didn’t choose education as a career initially.
Instead, I went into the commercial sector, working in administration and HR, in large and small organisations in London, and then running my own business in Ely.
Eventually, I realised that I wanted to make a positive difference to the life-chances of children, so I decided to retrain as a teacher. I worked as a classroom teacher and went on to become a deputy head.
How has your career experience helped you in your Academy Councillor role?
As an Academy Councillor, it’s actually my commercial and personal experience that I find the most valuable. The council is made up of volunteers from the wider community, including parents, who bring a diverse range of skills and perspectives – from finance and HR to facilities management and the public sector.
Being an Academy Councillor has been incredibly rewarding and becoming Chair a few years ago was a real privilege.
What’s involved in being an Academy Councillor?
We meet as a council six times a year during evenings. Each Academy Councillor receives training and acts as a champion for a specific area of the school, such as achievement, finance and resources, or student voice. To gain a deeper understanding of the school, Academy Councillors dedicate planned time during school days (at least once per term) to meet with senior leadership and relevant managers from their designated areas. Through this monitoring role, we learn how the school operates, its performance levels, and engage with various stakeholders – senior leaders, middle managers, teachers, and even students. This allows us to contribute to the school’s strategy, policies, budgeting, and staffing decisions, working alongside the leadership team and supporting teachers to provide an excellent education for the children.
Is there any training/support provided by the Trust?
Absolutely. Meridian Trust provides training to new Academy Councillors. This equips them with the knowledge and confidence they need to perform the role effectively.
Can you give us an idea of the typical workload?
The time commitment is manageable. Regular council meetings happen six times a year in the evenings, and Academy Councillors dedicate planned time within the school during the day (minimum once per term) to fulfil their champion roles.
What would you say is the most fulfilling aspect of being an Academy Councillor?
The most rewarding aspect, without a doubt, is knowing that you’re making a real difference in the lives of young people. By contributing to the school’s success, we ensure every child has the opportunity to be known, valued, and supported in reaching their full potential. It’s an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Finally, what advice would you give to anyone who’s curious about becoming an Academy Councillor?
If you are interested, do come and talk to us. We are always keen to share what we do. You can also schedule a visit to your chosen school, to see the learning environment firsthand. You won’t regret it and you could make a real difference to the lives of young people.
If you are interested in being a member of an Academy Council and share our passion for education, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, either via the school office or via enquiries@meridiantrust.co.uk