Academy Council

Minerva Primary School is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust that is responsible for a number of academies across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Gloucester and Somerset. Governance for a multi-academy trust operates at two levels. At trust level, there is a Board of Directors. The directors are accountable to the Department for Education and external government agencies, including the Charity Commission, for the quality of the education the trust provides and the effective use of the associated academy funding. They are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of quality, financial probity, safety and good practice. The Board is provided assurance on a number of these areas through various sub-committees, as shown in the diagram below. Visit the CLF website for more information about the board.

At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 9 Academy Councillors. Academy Councils are responsible for holding Principals and their leadership teams to account for the quality and effectiveness of the academic experience of the students under their care with the aim of securing effective school improvement. They do this through monitoring performance against an annual academy improvement plan, through monitoring risks and responses to risks, and by overseeing systems and processes for the safeguarding of children and the health, safety and wellbeing of academy staff.

Chair of Academy Council

Colin Mister Chair of Academy Council

I am an international business owner with extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and working across diverse communities and organisations. Through my work with the United Nations (UNOPS) and charities focused on malaria prevention and public health initiatives, I have developed a strong commitment to supporting communities and helping create opportunities for young people to succeed.

I have several years of experience in school governance, and I am also the Chair of the Academy Council at Kingsmead Academy in Wiveliscombe, where I am proud to serve as the Safeguarding Link. These roles have shown me the importance of supporting the well-being of both pupils and staff to achieve positive outcomes. My experience has also given me valuable insight into the challenges schools face and the importance of effective leadership, inclusion, and maintaining high educational standards.

I am passionate about education and believe every child deserves access to a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious learning environment. As a team in local governance, we bring professionalism, strategic thinking, enthusiasm, and a collaborative approach to the role, working closely with the Principal, staff, parents, fellow councillors, and the wider community to support the school’s continued success. Wellbeing and Mental Health are also a key part of our support.

Academy Council Members

Debbie Glenn, Staff Councillor

I have worked with children and families for the past 23 years and I am passionate about children’s voices being heard. I care deeply that parents are offered the support to be the very best that they can be for their children.
I have an honours degree in early years care and education, and have worked within the education sector and social care settings where I have gained an enormous amount of experience in the problems that children and their carers face. I am keen to find solution-focused interventions that support change for children.
Having worked at Minerva for the past eight years, I have enjoyed getting to know, and working with many children and their families. I have been fortunate to get to know the community, and recognise what is important to the children who attend the school.
I am privileged to be part of the core group, as the school moves forward on its journey, to provide an outstanding education to all.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, walking and spending time with my family. I have two lovely border terriers that also keep me busy.

Kate Caldecott, Staff Councillor

I have been teaching for over 17 years and predominantly worked in and around London and Surrey for the majority of my career. I moved to Somerset in 2017 and took on the Assistant Head role at Minerva in January 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the incredible team here. I am passionate about educating children. I believe in providing them with rich experiences, teaching life skills and developing their own creativity. I want all children to feel valued and find their place in the world.
I am a mother of two girls who keep me busy outside of school! I enjoy playing social netball and spending time with my family.
I am delighted to be a part of the academy council - to continue to help Minerva deliver an outstanding curriculum and ensure all our children have every opportunity to thrive.

Phillip Mansell, Sponsored Councillor

I moved to Somerset from London in 2001 as a transfer with my employer. I have always been keen to promote the non-academic side of life from my own schooldays to present. I have been involved in teaching martial arts, dance and athletics to young and old. I was the team manager for the youth, junior and senior teams, men and ladies, for Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow AC whilst in London. I became involved at Minerva through my work's voluntary scheme to read to the children and this led to a little gardening volunteer time at the school too. Having been inspired by the dedication I see through the teaching staff I am happy to be a part of the council.

Steve Druce, Sponsored Councillor

I have been working at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for the last 47 years, and am currently a Geographic and Technical Lead covering the Asia / Pacific region.

I strongly believe that every child deserves access to the very best education, to set them up for a happy and successful life ahead.

I have four grown up children and one grandchild and enjoy spending free time on my allotment and motorcycling.

I was delighted to be invited to join the Academy Council, where I will do my very best working together with this professional and dedicated team.

Kathryn Volk, Sponsored Councillor

I graduated from university in South Africa with a degree in Veterinary Science and work as an Associate Veterinarian at a local practice.

I strongly believe that the greatest gift we can give a child is an education. I felt that by joining the academy council it would enable me to do my best to ensure that every child received the best possible education available to them.