How Ark's governance works
Every school in the Ark network is the legal responsibility of the Ark Schools Board. This board focuses on statutory duties and delegates most day-to-day responsibilities to each school’s individual Local Governing Body (LGB).
This means that our Academy's governors are able to concentrate on the things that really matter – educational strategy, school outcomes and aspiration.
The Ark Schools Decision Making Framework outlines where responsibility and accountability sits for the key functional areas within Ark Schools between the ‘tiers’ of governance.
Our Local Governing Body
Our Local Governing Body (LGB) is made up of 6-10 members – usually people with a local connection or interest who are committed to supporting educational opportunity in the area. The board generally includes:
- Academy Principal
- Up to two Parent Governors
- One Teaching Staff Governor
- One Non-teaching Staff Governor
- One Local Authority representative
We aim to create a balanced group that will have the right skills, connections and dynamic for the LGB to work well and support the school in achieving exceptional performance. Attributes we look for include:
- Good insight into the specific challenges at the school and the general challenges of operating top-quality schools
- Excellent community links
- Specific skills as needed by/relevant to the school
- A link to the senior executive team of Ark Schools
All appointments are made by the Director of Governance for Ark Schools. The term of a governor is three years, except for the Principal, who remains a governor for the duration of his or her time in post. Governors may be reappointed for further terms.
The LGB meets four times a year.
Becoming a governor
If you have an interest and commitment to improving education, and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our online Governor Application Form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance.team@arkonline.org
A full programme of induction, training and support is provided. You can see more information, including role specifications here.
Contacting the governors
If you have any governance-related queries please contact Katie Bird at katie.bird@arkonline.org
Our Governors
Alastair Willcox
Alastair is a qualified solicitor and works for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (based in Birmingham) in their in-house Legal Department, specialising in regulatory law. His work is concerned with disciplinary proceedings against solicitors and prosecuting solicitors at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Before moving to the SRA he worked as an employment solicitor in private practice representing both businesses and individuals.
Alastair studied French and Spanish at The University of Liverpool and spent the third year of his degree teaching English in a school in Avignon. Whilst working as a Legal Assistant at Birmingham City Council, Alastair became involved with projects run by Education Business Links and BXL in local schools and colleges. He remained committed to the project when he left Birmingham City Council to continue his career and continued to mentor students at "Practice Interview Days" and "Skill Days" at an Academy in Birmingham.
Sarah Cope
Sarah has the pleasure of being a full-time mum. She has a keen interest in local groups and initiatives and will use this knowledge and experience to aid the positive work already being done by the governing body. Sarah loves travelling, outdoor pursuits, cultural activities and spending time with friends and family. She has been a member of her local Housing Liaison Board and the constituency Tenants' Group with Birmingham City Council. Sarah's children have all attended Ark Kings and gone on to higher education including university. Being a parent governor will give Sarah the opportunity to give back to the school and help other governing members to provide a happy, safe and fun learning environment for everybody.
Odain Dempster
Odain Dempster is a service-oriented educator committed to pupil development, inclusion, and community engagement. He has professional experience supporting teaching and learning, working directly with pupils, and promoting positive behaviour and high standards within educational settings. With a strong appreciation for the academy’s values, Odain is motivated to serve as a governor, bringing integrity, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach. He is passionate about contributing to school improvement and ensuring every student can thrive in a safe, supportive, and aspirational environment.
Claire Hall
Claire is a parent of two children at Ark Kings Academy. Claire plans on bringing a perspective from both angles as one of her children is on SEN and so she sees the struggles he has faced every single day, academically and socially. Claire has lived in the surrounding area of Ark Kings Academy for many years and she hopes to bring new ideas that will help support pupils and parents too.
Kelly Poulton
Kelly Poulton is Assistant Principal at the University of Birmingham School, with specific responsibility for Inclusion and SEND. Prior to this, Kelly was part of the extended Senior Leadership Team at Washwood Heath Academy, responsible for raising pupil achievement. A Geography teacher by training, Kelly holds a Geography degree from Coventry University, a Masters in Teaching Studies from the University of Birmingham and has achieved the NASENCO qualification. Kelly is passionate about ensuring that young people's voices are heard and that they feel fully supported within their school and community.
Sarah Yeo
Sarah is an MSc Postgraduate with experience in health and safety and coordination, currently working part time in a varied role as facilities and experimental officer for a University research department. Sarah has three young children, which has led to her wanting to be more involved with working to improve schools for future generations.