Governance
Since the formation of The Park Academies Trust (TPAT), governance at Lydiard Park Academy has been led by a Local Governing Committee (LGC). The LGC is a committee of the main Board of the Trust and is accountable to the TPAT Trustees for its decisions.
Click here for Trust Structure
The LGC is responsible for a range of areas, including:
- Ensuring that standards of attainment and progress by all pupils at the school are high.
- Taking a strategic role in the governance of the school.
- Acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the school and its staff.
- Ensuring that TPAT’s vision for the school is carried forward.
The following people are members of the Lydiard Park Academy LGC:
Kathryn Sanders – Chair of LGC & Safeguarding Link Governor
Kathryn retired from working in education in 2022 and had over twenty-five years experience in this sector. Half her career was spent serving on senior leadership teams, covering roles in curriculum, raising standards, behaviour, pastoral and safeguarding. During this time, she also worked within the local authority as an advanced skills teacher, delivering training to schools across Swindon, as well as delivering training for the NPQSL.
Mike Pook – Vice Chair of LGC
I have lived in Swindon since birth, and have two children, one of whom is now attending Abbey Park Academy. I have always worked in IT, and for the last six years into the Defence Sector for an SME. I am based in Corsham for work.
I volunteered to become a LGC member because I felt it was a great way to try and help the community. The skills needed to perform a LGC member role suit my professional background and so this felt like a great way to help. All my interactions with the trust so far have shown a collective desire to try and do the best possible for everyone within the Trust settings. So being able to help in any way possible seemed like a great opportunity.
Gary Pearson – Principal
I originally joined the school in 1996 as an NQT in the Humanities Department, teaching Geography at GCSE. I became a Head of Year in 1999 and saw the year group through to the end of Year 11 in 2001.
I then became an Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for the Pastoral Structure within the school. Since 2005 I have been one of the Deputy Headteachers, referred to as Vice Principal, when the school gained Academy status and became Lydiard Park Academy.
With the growth of Park Academies Trust I became Principal in November 2016 and in this role I am a Governor on the Local Governing Committee.
Lesley Stewart – Careers and Health & Safety Link Governor
My background is in education, having worked in this sector for the last 25 years specialising in careers, advice and Guidance, enabling young people to make choices for their future and to help them on their career path. I have been involved in school governance for nine years, first as a community governor at Lydiard Park Academy and then Chair of governors at Lydiard Park Academy. My link governor roles include Careers, 6th Form and Health and Safety.
Susannah Fernandez - Admissions Link Governors
I moved to Swindon in 2005. My eldest child attended LPA for 3 years and my youngest has recently joined. I have a background in project management (technical and business), and spent the past 10 years focusing on Data Governance leading a policy, risk and control function. I have also provided mentoring for a local charity supporting families going through the adoption process.
I'm genuinely delighted to be given the opportunity to support LPA and the Academy Trust as a Local Advisory Board member; keen to use my skill and experience to deliver value to the teachers and pupils, both current and future.
Helen James - SEND & Equalities Link Governor
Helen is an experienced educator with significant experience in young people's Mental Health. She is a qualified secondary Mathematics teacher who has taught GCSE and A level in both schools and privately. Helen was Assistant Head at EOTAS with specific responsibility for running the school based at the In-patient psychiatric unit at Marlborough House, Swindon until 2017. Helen has used her Mental Health expertise as a trainer consultant with Young Minds and in running a Network group for teachers in psychiatric units. She is also an exam marker.
Freddie Colquhoun - Community Member
Freddie joined the LGC in 2024 and is a postgraduate law student at the University of Law, due to qualify as a solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis in 2027. A recent Durham graduate, he has experience as a volunteer teaching assistant, A-level and GCSE tutor, and has held several student board leadership roles. He spent four seasons instructing water sports to children and now mentors university and graduate job applicants, developing a strong interest in supporting student outcomes. He represents Pupil Voice within the LGC.
Paul Belle - Curriculum Link Governor
Paul joined the LGC as community governor in September 2024 and will focus on Science and Maths. Paul is Head of Engineering Management, working for a railway consultancy based in Swindon. Paul brings to the LGC over 20 years' experience of experience working within a STEM environment which will be used to raise awareness of STEM careers within LPA.
Joe Lee - Primary School Transition Link Governor
Joe is a dedicated primary school educator with 28 years of experience, currently serving as Deputy Head Teacher. He has worked across four Swindon primary schools in both teaching and leadership roles. Joe has a strong interest in supporting pupils through the transition from primary to secondary education. He is also a proud parent of two grown-up sons.
Mark Botting - Finance Link Governor
Mark is currently Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for a UK based Laboratory Testing Company. In total Mark has over 25 years of leadership experience in the contract research and laboratory testing sector, having held senior commercial and operational roles within several global life science organisations. Mark has a BSC (hons) in Chemistry from Nottingham University and a MBA from Oxford Brookes Business School.
Mariusz Chodzko - Parent Member
As a parent with children in both secondary and primary education within Swindon, I am deeply invested in our students’ success. My professional experience as a Team Leader in a large warehouse and logistics environment equips me with strong skills in operational efficiency, team leadership, and strategic planning. I am committed to using this experience to support and challenge the academy's leadership, helping to ensure LPA provides an excellent education and the best possible outcomes for every pupil.
Laura Brake - Staff LGC Member
I am the teacher governor for LPA, having joined the school as a Maths teacher this academic year and became head of year 9 in January. I have two children aged 19 and 8 and love to spend time walking with the family and dogs, running and riding my horses. I have come from a social and emotional background and love to support pupils to insure of inclusive education. I enjoy being on the LGC to gain an understanding on the huge success of LPA as a school.
LGC Support Officer: Stephanie Connolly
Local Governing Committee – Terms of Reference - Click here
Scheme of Delegation - Click here
If you have any queries in relation to the LGC, or to request copies of minutes for the LGC, please email the clerk: clerk@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk.
Also, if you are interested in finding out more about the work of the LGC, especially if you would like to be part of its work, please email the clerk: clerk@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk