Cabot Learning Federation · Bristol
Lead Change. Inspire Futures. Become an Academy Councillor with CLF.
🌟 Volunteer and Make a Lasting Impact on Education Across Somerset! 🌟
Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you want to influence education in your community? At Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), we’re looking for committed volunteers to join our Academy Councils and help shape the future of learning.
CLF is a family of 36 academies—including primary, secondary, all-through schools, and post-16 provision—spanning Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucester, Weston-Super-Mare, and Somerset. Our shared purpose is simple: every child deserves the best possible start in life.
The Somerset Cluster includes a mix primary, secondary, and alternative provision academies. For further information on the full list of academies and provisions, this can be found in the ‘Somerset Cluster: Our Local Academies’ section of the advert below. Key Responsibilities of an Academy Councillor
As a Sponsored Academy Councillor, you’ll act as a critical friend to the academy, providing challenge and support to Principals and leadership teams. Your responsibilities include:
Attend Council Meetings regularly (around 5 per year, 2 hours each).
Champion Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Ensure health and safety policies are implemented and statutory training is met.
Monitor Risk & Improvement: Review risk registers, academy improvement plans, and responses to Ofsted/DfE inspections.
Hold Leaders to Account: Oversee student attainment, attendance, and curriculum effectiveness.
Policy & Compliance: Approve and monitor local policies and procedures.
Panel Participation: Take part in panels for exclusions, complaints, and key decisions.
Financial Oversight: Review financial plans and monitor resource allocation.
Recruitment & Appraisal: Engage in senior leadership recruitment and contribute to Principal appraisals.
Champion Inclusion: Advocate for disadvantaged pupils and educational equity.
Act as an Ambassador for the academy, its pupils, and staff.
Average time commitment: around 1 hour per week across the year.
Why Volunteer with CLF?
Influence Education: Help guide strategic decisions and hold leaders accountable.
Professional Growth: Develop skills in leadership, governance, and strategic planning.
Community Impact: Make a tangible difference to children and families in your area.
Networking: Connect with over 300 passionate volunteers across the South West. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. No prior education experience needed, just enthusiasm and commitment. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups. Somerset Cluster: Our Local Academies
Primary Academies (Ages 3–11) Castle Primary School & Nursery Minerva Primary School Priorswood Primary School The Redstart Primary School Secondary Academi