Governance (Local Partnership Board)

Axbridge C of E Academy is a part of the Wessex Learning Trust whose Trustees hold the ultimate responsibility for the governance of each Wessex Learning Trust School.

The Department for Education's Academy Trust Handbook sets out the Trust's responsibilities regarding governance - Academy trust handbook 2026: effective from 1 October 2026 - GOV.UK

Wessex Learning Trust Trustees delegate certain key roles and responsibilities to the School's Local Partnership Board (LPB) and these are set out clearly in the Scheme of Delegation which can be seen on the Wessex Learning Trust website.

We value the expertise and support that our Local Partnership Board brings. Please see below a list of our Local Partners.

If you would like to contact the Chair of the Local Partnership Board, or you are interested in becoming a Local Partner, please email the Clerk to the Partnership Board Patricia Page at ppage@axbridgefirstschool.co.uk.

Local Partnership Board Roles (Current)
Name Role Term Start Term End Attendance (2025-26)
Mr Dominic Shillabeer Headteacher 25th April 2022 Ongoing 6/6
Mrs Toni Hael Chair 6 June 2023 6 June 2027 6/6
Mrs Bev Burnett Vice Chair - Safeguarding Lead 6 June 2023 6 June 2027 6/6
Mrs Sarah Newland Local Partner 1 January 2025 1 January 2029 4/6
Miss Penelope Groves Local Partner - SEND 25 May 2026 25 May 2030 5/6
Rev Julie Sims Local Partner 1 May 2025 1 May 2029 1/6
Mr Connor Loughney Local Partner 30 September 2025 30 September 2029 4/5
Business and Financial Interests (Current)
Name Nature of Interest Date Declared
Mr Dominic Shillabeer None 07/10/2026
Mrs Toni Hael None 07/10/2026
Mrs Bev Burnett None 07/10/2026
Mrs Sarah Newland married to employee of WLT 07/10/2026
Miss Penelope Groves Forest School Leader (freelance) 25/09/25
Rev Julie Sims None 07/10/2026
Mr Connor Loughney married to employee of WLT 07/10/2026
Local Partner Resignations (Last 12 months)
Name Role Term Start Resignation Date
Mrs Kate Browne Local Partner 2nd February 2022 2nd February 2026
Mr Andrew Mearns Local Partner 6 June 2023 18th July 2025