Governance
At Ascend Learning Trust, our governance structure is built on clarity, accountability, and collaboration. It comprises Members, Trustees, and Local Governing Boards, each playing a distinct and vital role in ensuring our schools are well-led and our pupils thrive.
We are proud to draw on a wide range of expertise across education, leadership, and public service. This collective strength enables us to make informed decisions, uphold high standards, and remain responsive to the needs of our communities.
Our governance arrangements are guided by our Articles of Association and a clear Scheme of Delegation, which outlines the responsibilities held at Trust and academy level.
Members
Members play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the Trust’s governance. They have the authority to amend the Articles of Association, appoint and remove Trustees, appoint and remove auditors, and receive the Trust’s annual accounts.
Trustees
Trustees are responsible for the strategic leadership, policy framework, and overall oversight of Ascend Learning Trust and its academies.
Trustees act in the interests of the Trust as a whole and are not aligned with any individual academy. Their role is to ensure that the Trust delivers high-quality education, operates effectively, and meets all statutory requirements.
Local Governing Boards
Local Governing Boards (LGBs) form a vital link between the Trust Board and individual academies. They play an important role in supporting and challenging school leaders, helping to maintain high standards and ensuring that each academy reflects the needs of its community.
LGBs focus on key areas such as pupil outcomes, safeguarding, and staff development, working within the Trust’s strategic framework to deliver excellence at a local level.