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Local Governing Committee

Since 1st October 2018 when Abbey Park School formally converted to an academy and joined The Park Academies Trust (TPAT), governance at Abbey Park 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. The LGC is responsible for a range of areas, including:

  • Ensuring that standards of attainment and progress by all students 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 Abbey Park School LGC:

Stu O’Brien – Chair of LGC. Community Member and Safeguarding & SEND Link Governor

Paul Freeland – Vice Chair of LGC. Community Member and Health & Safety Link Governor

Jon Ward - Head of School

James Stevens – Staff member

Clare Dickinson – Community Member and Pupil Premium Link Governor

Nick Taylor – Community Member. Link TBC

Lucy Sweeting – Community Member. Link TBC

Abbi Botting – Parent Member and Curriculum Link Governor

Tammy Dowling:  Community Member and Careers Link Governor

 

LGC Support Officer - Stephanie Connolly

 

Local Governing Committee –  LGC Terms of Reference

Click on Trust Governance tab.  Information pertaining to the LAB structure and membership

Scheme of Delegation

Click on Trust Governance tab.  Document showing the responsibilities of Trustees, Local Governing Committee, CEO & School Principal

 

If you have any queries in relation to the LGC, or to request copies of minutes for the LGC, please email the clerk: clerk@abbeyparkschool.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@abbeyparkschool.org.uk

 

The Governance Team

The Trust believes in the importance of governance and has a robust governance structure that supports the Executive Team at every level to turn potential into performance.

 

Members

Stu O’Brien – LGC Chair

Stu O’Brien is a community governor from North Swindon, having moved to the area in 2002.  He is an Officer in the RAF, specialising in the Air and Space operations branch as an Air Traffic Controller.  Stu is married to Alex and they have two children.

Paul Freeland – Vice Chair of LGC

I’m a dad of three girls, two of whom are currently at Abbey Park and I’m a Parent Governor.  I’m also a clergyman at a local church, having moved to Swindon in 2019. Prior to this I worked for a banking software company in the City of London. As a family we’re so pleased to have found Abbey Park School and I’m looking forward to playing my part and journeying with the school over the coming years’.

Jon Ward – Head of School

Jon Ward became Head of School at Abbey Park in 2024. He has over 21 years’ experience of teaching in Swindon schools, with 13 of those years on the Senior Leadership Team at Abbey Park. Jon joined the school when it first opened in 2007 and believes strongly in the important role it has to play in the local community, by providing quality educational experiences, opportunities and support to enrich and enable local children to realise their full potential.

Clare Dickinson

Clare is a Risk Manager for the UK’s largest Building Society, where she plays a key role in safeguarding operational integrity and promoting a strong risk culture. With over 20 years of experience in Risk & Compliance, Clare has held various leadership roles across financial services, consistently driving improvements in governance, regulatory compliance, and control frameworks. Her professional expertise brings valuable insight and strategic oversight to the school’s governing body, helping ensure sound decision-making and accountability.

Lucy Sweeting

I am mum to three teens who are currently at secondary school and a mentor for teens in Wiltshire through the Youth Adventure Trust charity. The teen I am currently working with was my inspiration for looking for a governor role in Wiltshire to try and make a positive impact on a wider basis, having heard the challenges faced at school.  I am an Engineer which is a great profession, both challenging and rewarding. There is a massive skills shortage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education and through a School Governors role I’d like to widen the gaze of young people and introduce them to the enriching possibilities that a career in STEM professions can have.

Nick Taylor

I have lived in Swindon for the past 12 years and my eldest child attends Abbey Park School.  I have worked in the tech industry for nearly 20 years and I am also the founder of an organisation called Headstart Skillz which works with students to teach them practical life skills.  I am also a volunteer football coach and a professional mentor for The Youth Group.

My role as a LAB member is a great opportunity to share my knowledge and experience attained from the corporate world to support senior leaders and teachers to improve the overall performance of the school and the impact it has on the local community.

Abbi Botting

Abbi currently works for the NHS as a Nurse Practitioner in Endoscopy. She has been in this post since 2003 and qualified as a Nurse in 1998 after completing a Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Nottingham University. Her current role also involves the training of new Endoscopists and team development. As a parent Member, Abbi’s two boys have attended Abbey Park and she joined the committee to understand more about the functioning of the school and help in school development.

Tammy Dowling

For the past two years, I have worked at an Independent Training provider and prior to this, I spent twenty years in secondary education. I am currently expanding my skills through a Level 7 Senior Leadership apprenticeship.

With over two decades of experience in education, I am passionate about helping people achieve their full potential. I have a firm belief that continuous improvement is key to success, and I am committed to bringing this ethos to my role as a governor.  Outside of my professional life, I play netball for two teams and have a passion for travel.  I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to the governing body.

James Stevens – LGC Staff member

Details to follow