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Academy Trust Board
The Academy Trust welcomes you to The Forest School.
As an Academy Trust, we are committed to ensuring that The Forest School offers the best all round education for the students entrusted into its care. As Trustees, we all take our role very seriously and work hard to progress the school academically, financially and strategically.
Our Academy Trust is made up of members with a range of expertise in many different areas; we have parents, staff, business and local community trustees elected and appointed to the trust.
The recent Ofsted Report praised our pastoral care and the behaviour of our pupils, which we are rightly proud of and given our student body comes from over 50 feeder schools across Berkshire this is an excellent achievement.
Our purpose built co-educational 6th Form Centre means we have been able to extend our 6th Form provision to welcome new students from a wide variety of other schools across the area. It was extremely gratifying that the Ofsted Report recognised our sixth form as “Good”, praising both the teaching and student support.
Of course, no website can articulate all the educational, sporting and extra-curricular activities that The Forest School provides and we would invite all prospective parents and students to visit the school on the relevant open days, to see for yourself everything that we have to offer.
On behalf of The Forest School Academy Trust.
Alison Lovland
Chair of Trustees
If you would like to contact Chair of Trustees please email trustees@forest.academy or via The Forest School.
People often ask what the role of the Trustee is. There are many aspects, here are just a few...
The role of a Trustee is multi-faceted and pivotal to the success of The Forest School. At its core, Trustees ensure the school’s vision for the future is clear and well-articulated. This vision is encapsulated in the 'School Improvement and Development Plan,' a dynamic document outlining objectives and strategic plans for upcoming terms and years. Presented annually, the plan is reviewed and monitored during Academy Trust Board and Finance & Audit Committee meetings, where Trustees track progress, provide support, and challenge any areas of concern.
Trustees also oversee the planning and implementation of a well-rounded curriculum, in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidelines. This includes ensuring students are taught a comprehensive range of subjects and achieve expected standards. Trustees maintain strong links with the leadership team and subject leaders, creating opportunities to discuss teaching methods and current initiatives. Regular data reports enable Trustees to hold the Headteacher accountable for the school’s educational performance, ensuring every student receives the best possible education.
Safeguarding is another critical responsibility. Trustees work with the Headteacher to regularly review and update the school’s safeguarding policy in accordance with DfE guidelines. Regular training and ongoing monitoring ensure that all children are safe and well-supported at school.
Financial oversight is a continuous process. Trustees review the school budget and management accounts at every Academy Trust Board meeting, with prior scrutiny by the Finance & Audit Committee. This ensures that resources are effectively managed and money is spent wisely to benefit the school.
While the role of a Trustee is strategic, not operational, it involves working closely with the Leadership Team to support and challenge decisions, driving school improvement and ensuring a thriving environment for students and staff alike.
For more insight into what being a Trustee involves, watch this introduction from the National Governors Association - click this link to view
If you're interested in joining the Academy Trust, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal chat with Alison or Hannah, our Chair and Vice-Chair, please contact us via email at trustees@forest.academy.
|
NAME |
TRUSTEES |
|---|---|
|
Sonja Allen |
Staff (Elected) |
|
Shirley Austin |
Staff (Appointed) |
|
Peter Christmas Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee & Responsible Officer, Pupil Premium Link Trustee |
Appointed |
|
Karyn Close |
Appointed |
|
Mary Keenan |
Appointed |
|
Sian Lindsay |
Parent (Elected) |
|
Alison Lovland |
Appointed |
|
Sally Ockwell Behaviour Curriculum (Alternative Arrangement), Quality and Implementation of Education and Data, IT, Website and Marketing Link Trustee |
Appointed |
|
Hannah O'Neill |
Appointed |
|
Matthew Pulford |
Parent (Elected) |
|
Richard Sedgwick |
Appointed |
|
Safeena Tufail |
Parent (Elected) |
|
Kley Visentin |
Appointed |
|
Steve Welch |
Parent (Elected) |
|
Jaquie Blaney |
Clerk/Company Secretary |
|
Name |
|
|---|---|
| Sonja Allen |
Type of Trustee: Staff (Elected). Designated role: Curriculum Link Trustee. Background: Education. I have been in Education since 2012 and worked in a variety of different roles taking responsibility for Departments, DofE, Vocational Qualifications and student Enrichment. These experiences have led to me taking up my current position on the Senior Leader Team. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Passion and education experiences. I am truly passionate about ensuring every student has the right to a quality education and our school Ethos of ASPIRE underpins this. Other interests: Travelling with my Hubbie, socialising with family and friends over nice food, surfing and giving the much demanded attention to my beautiful cat - Pickle. |
| Shirley Austin |
Type of Trustee: Staff (Appointed). Background: Education. I've worked my way up the scale to leadership but I started in teaching PE. What I bring to the AcademyTrust Board: Wealth of experience, drive and my belief to make every child matter and to ASPIRE. Other interests: Swimming, football, skiing, my three children, health and well being. |
| Peter Christmas |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Pupil Premium Link Trustee, Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee & Responsible Officer. Background: Former Forest pupil (1974 - 1981) 30 years experience in finance and investment management. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: I was a Parent Governor at a junior school when my children were younger and I have significant experience working on strategy and interacting with UK Fund Boards. Other interests: Walking in the country with Diane our beagle and watching football with my two grown-up sons. |
| Karyn Close |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Vice-Chair of Trustees, SEND & Health & Safety Link Trustee. Background: Former solicitor specialising in environmental law and commercial contracts. Retrained as a gardener 3 years ago completing my RHS horticulture theory and practical exams and currently working as a gardener at a National Trust garden, near Basingstoke. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: A wealth of business focused legal experience and a parent's view as the mother of 3 boys at The Forest. Interests: Our mad Otter Hound, gardening and book group discussions. |
| Mary Keenan |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Safeguarding & CLA (Child Looked After) Link Trustee, Chair of the Pupil Disciplinary Committee. Background: Operational management and education. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Strategic management experience in the private sector plus 12 years in education with a particular focus on safeguarding and working with young people who struggle in a mainstream environment. Other interests: My family, cricket (sadly, not playing - I am the Welfare Officer for a local club) and all things theatre! |
| Sian Lindsay |
Type of Trustee: Parent (Elected). Designated role: Tbc. Background: With a PhD in Molecular Biology, I have spent most of my career in UK higher education and now run a company that helps professionals gain data-science skills for an AI-centered world. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: My approach to governance is rooted in rigorous, evidence-based thinking and in Christian values of service and integrity that guide my day-to-day decisions. Having watched my eldest son flourish since joining The Forest School, I am eager to contribute by listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions to help solve problems - particularly in relation to the opportunities and challenges that new technologies bring. Other interests: Community service (former trustee of a local boxing club, volunteer as a kickboxing coach), running, swimming and cheering on my two boys in everything they're interested in from football to drumming. |
| Alison Lovland |
Type of Trustees: Appointed. Designated role: Chair of Trustees, Development, IT, Website & Marketing & Health & Safety Link Trustee. Background: I have been a school governor for a few years now. Previously as a parent and co-opted governor for Lambs Lane Primary School, and a parent governor at The Forest School until my son left in July 2020. I was delighted to be asked to remain on the governing body as an appointed governor and also elected to Vice-Chair. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: I became a governor to provide support to the school giving me the opportunity to be involved in the strategic decisions and future direction of the school. Other interests: Cooking, DIY and watching rugby. |
| Sally Ockwell |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Behaviour Curriculum (Alternative Arrangement), Quality and Implementation of Education and Data, IT, Website and Marketing Link Trustee. Background: A former Royal Air Force Engineering officer with 20+ years' leadership experience in private technology and telecoms sectors across marketing, product development and transformation. I am currently leveraging my business experience by working in transformation for a large UK telecoms business. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Broad leadership experience in business and marketing along with recent organisational and digital transformation experience. I have a passion for and strongly believe in child enrichment and demonstrate this through motivating children to positively channel emotion and physical energy into sport to build confidence. I am a qualified football, cycle and canoe coach. Other interests: Mountain biking in Swinley Forest and coaching my twin sons' football team. I love cooking and encouraging and passing on my passion to my children as well as training my two mad working cocker spaniels. |
| Hannah O'Neill |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Vice-Chair of Trustees, Curriculum, Quality & Implementation of Education (T&L) & Data Link Trustee. Background: Teaching A level History and Politics (amongst other things!) and now I am part of the senior leadership team of Activate Learning, a large group of further education colleges. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: My experience of teaching and leading in the education sector. I believe in developing young people by providing them with the necessary emotional support and motivation alongside their education to prepare them for their next steps in education and work. Other interests: My 3 children and the rest of my large family, watching football, visiting castles and other historical sites. |
| Matthew Pulford |
Type of Trustee: Parent (Elected). Designated role: Tbc. Background: As a proud former student of The Forest School and a long-standing Wokingham resident, I'm delighted to return to the school in a new capacity as parent-elected trustee. My son now attends The Forest School, making this role not only professionally significant but also deeply personal. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: With over 20 years' experience in the property sector, I run my own successful estate agency business locally. This background has honed a methodical, strategic mindset and a strong sense of accountability skills which I now bring to the board. I am passionate about doing things thoroughly and doing them well, and I apply that same energy and attention to detail to everything I take on. I care deeply about the school's continued success, not just because of my history here, but because I believe in its values and what it offers the young people in our community. Its a privilege to contribute to the direction and governance of a place that has had such a positive influence on my own life. Other interests: I'm a keen golfer and an active competitor in endurance events. I've completed running events up to marathon level and a serious of Hyrox races, and will soon be taking on the challenge of traning for triathlons. I enjoy pushing my limits, physically and professionally, and always strive for the best version of myself. |
| Richard Sedgwick |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: Member of the Finance & Audit Committee. Background: Chartered Accountant; Head of Finance for several medium sized companies and charities. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Finance and financial systems experience. Other interests: Motor cycling; scuba diving; socialising, especially over a curry! |
| Safeena Tufail |
Type of Trustee: Parent (Elected). Designated role: SEND, Pupil Disciplinary Committee Link Trustee. Background: I am a family lawyer specialising in all areas of family law from finances, separation, pre and post nuptial agreements. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Passion! I like to raise awareness of all issues concerning communities and support various local charities and organisations with fundraising etc. I hope with my skill and enthusiasm I can help the school raise funds for futher facility improvements benefitting both current and future students. Other interests: My family which includes our cat, Simba, and tropical fish, Nemo. |
| Kley Visentin |
Type of Trustee: Appointed. Designated role: IT, Website & Marketing Link Trustee. Background: Strategy development experience in the industry and now management lecturer. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Marketing, strategic management and business process improvement experience in the private sector plus 2 years in higher education. Other interests: My family, I have 2 children, writing novels and music. |
| Steve Welch |
Type of Trustee: Parent (Elected). Designated role: Wellbeing and Behaviour Curriculum Link Trustee. Background: Experienced senior leader in sport, health and wellbeing. What I bring to the Academy Trust Board: Strategic planning, capital project management, partnership management and community development. Other interests: Travel, restoration, architecture and parent taxi service! |