Our Combined Local Academy Committee (CLAC) provides governance for St John's and St Peter's. We have a strong team that draws from both communities. This provides a diverse range of backgrounds and viewpoints to support school strategy.  

For information on trust governance, including the scheme of delegation, please see the St Chad's Academies Trust website

All of our members work together to support both academies. In some cases, link roles are separated across the two academies to ensure strong oversight and opportunities for collaboration. 

Declaration of interests are included in the structure and attendance document at the bottom of the page.

Role	Name
Chair Person	Zoe Heath
Vice-chair	Sharon Brackpool
Community Partner	Geoffrey Ssenfuma Susan Matthews
Pupil Partner	Ben Mills (SEND) Sharon Brackpool (pupil premium) Zoe Heath (safeguarding)

Mrs. Z. Heath (Chair of CLAC, Leadership Partner)

Zoe joined St Chad’s Academies Trust in 2015, bringing extensive leadership experience in Human Resources and operational management from the public sector. She has led, through developed, strong, project management foundations, key strategic projects including academy conversions, large scale systems implementation and organisational change including building constructive and sustained industrial relations and led on Trust wide development of Trust wide employment policies and procedures.

In her role of Chief of Operations, Zoe works strategically and collaboratively to ensure strong systems and partnerships that support the Trust’s growth and sustainability. Alongside operational excellence, Zoe champions environmental sustainability initiatives across the Trust, embedding practices that reduce impact and promote greener schools. An Associate Member of CIPD, Zoe is committed to delivering operational excellence that enables schools to focus on what matters most—children’s success.

"Every operational decision should create the conditions for academies to thrive—because when academies thrive, children flourish."

 

Mrs Sharon Brackpool (Vice-Chair, Pupil Partner)

I have worked as a teacher in schools across Sandwell for 30 years, joining St John’s in 2007.

In 2013, I was appointed to the position of Deputy Head and helped to oversee the school’s transition to becoming an academy.

I retired in 2019 as Head of School and now feel proud to be a part of the St John’s and St Peter's Combined Local Academy Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. L. Burnam 

I am a HR Business Partner with expertise in People processes, legislation and Employee relations.  I put myself forward to become a member of the St Peters LAC as a Parent LAC to offer my support, help and knowledge from a different business perspective whilst at the same time supporting my 2 boys’ education setting and feeling involved in the school and helping to add value where I can.

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Susan Matthews (Pupil Partner)

I am married with a grown up family and grandchildren of varying ages. My teaching career has been in and around Sandwell for the most part. I became a supply teacher after finishing full time feeling that I still had a role in education. As a supply teacher I have also worked around the borough. I came to St John's a few years ago in that role and have since joined the CLAC team. It is a joy to be part of St John's School. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey Ssenfuma

Hello everyone, my name is Geoffrey. I am happy to be part of the Combined Local Academy Committee (CLAC). I am a parent to three children at the school. I joined the Governance team in July 2024 as a parent governor for St. Johns. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge and experience in the education sector of 15years in a number of dimensions such as classroom teaching, curriculum development, management in science and Mathematics. I am passionate about education with research interests and particular focus on high prior attainers, challenging and stretching their learning horizon to achieve their full potential and beyond. I joined the team to support and add my input to the learning experience of the children at the two schools and the wider school community that we serve.  I am motivated by the life changing ‘potential-impact’ of education on the life of young people and their families.

Personal Philosophy: In pursuit of excellence, ONLY the best is good ENOUGH. 

Mr Ben Mills (Pupil Partner)

Ben Mills is a highly experienced Learning Support Practitioner with 15 years of expertise in providing tailored educational assistance to students with diverse learning needs. Throughout his career, Ben has developed a profound understanding of various learning challenges and has worked closely with students to ensure they receive the personalised support necessary for academic success.

His compassionate and patient demeanour, combined with a strong commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments, has established him as a trusted figure among both students and educators. In addition to his extensive experience, Ben brings valuable skills to a team, particularly for school governors seeking to enhance educational strategies and support systems. His insight into the specific needs of learners allows him to contribute effectively to discussions on curriculum development, resource allocation, and the implementation of inclusive policies. Ben’s collaborative spirit and ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders make him an asset in promoting a cohesive approach to education.

Moreover, his passion for empowering students to realise their full potential positions him as a strong advocate for policies that prioritise pupil well-being and academic achievement. Ben's dedication to creating an equitable and supportive learning environment not only aligns with the core values of educational governance but also ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Mr David Castledine (Staff Representative)

I am currently Trust Headteacher at St Peters CofE Primary Academy having been in the teaching profession for 21 years, working across different schools in the primary age range. This is now my 14^th year at St Peters where I started as class teacher before becoming Assistant Principal in 2019 and then Head of School from September 2022. Being given the opportunity to be part of the leadership team at St Peter’s CofE Primary Academy has been an absolute privilege and I firmly believe in putting the children first and striving for the best possible opportunities and outcomes for all. Throughout my time at St Peter's I have cultivated strong relationships with all stakeholders and am committed to ensuring that the Academy continues to flourish so that every child feels safe, happy and is able to achieve their full potential.