King's Leadership Academy Liverpool is part of the Great Schools Trust (GST), a company limited by guarantee.
The GST members and board of trustees are the proprietors of the trust and set the overarching vision and strategy for all of the GST academies. Trustees’ main responsibilities are the three core governance functions:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction.
Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
In order to discharge these duties successfully the board of trustees has delegated some of these responsibilities to executive leaders and local academy councils (LACs) (see Scheme of Delegation for more information).
King's Liverpool has a committed team of governors who are actively involved in school life. They successfully represent the local community and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a variety of professional backgrounds. Governors include parent and staff representatives.
The LAC has delegated oversight for curriculum and standards, community presence and safeguarding. This includes attendance, student welfare and health and safety. Finance and staffing are the direct responsibility of the trust board. Nevertheless, the GST governance structure allows each LAC chair to be appointed as a trustee. Therefore, local governance is represented in board discussions.
In short, LACs are an integral part of the trust’s governance structure. They are the eyes and ears on the ground at school level. The LAC supports the trust board by adhering to their core governance functions and by holding the school to account for performance and development. In addition, they support school leaders by acting as their ‘critical friend’.
King’s Liverpool has a relatively new, but committed team of governors who are actively involved in school life. They represent and understand the local community and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a variety of professional backgrounds. There are both staff and parent governors on the committee; however, the school is actively recruiting further parent representation.
The local academy council (LAC) has delegated oversight for curriculum and standards, community presence and safeguarding. This includes attendance, student welfare and health and safety. Finance and staffing are the direct responsibility of the trust board. Nevertheless, the LAC Chair is involved in the budget setting process for the school and supports with recruitment at school level.
In short, LAC's are an integral part of the trust’s governance structure. They are the eyes and ears on the ground at school level. The LAC supports the trust board by adhering to their core governance functions and by holding the school to account for performance and development. In addition, they support school leaders by acting as their ‘critical friend’.
Should you wish to contact the Chair of the Local Academy Council or LAC please email d.sorensen@greatschoolstrust.com or by post by addressing any correspondence for the attention of the chair of goverenors at the school’s address:
Please note that any complaints regarding the school must be raised in line with our complaints policy and cannot be raised directly with the local academy council.
Welcome to the website of King's Leadership Academy Liverpool.
It is a great privilege to serve as the school’s chair of governors. Our local academy council is committed to being actively involved in the life of the school so that we can help provide a safe environment and the best possible learning experience for our pupils and staff. We want to make sure the interests of parents and the local community are factored into the way the school operates. We are determined that every student receives access to high-quality education. which will provide the best platform for their future success. Our school's specialisms, ‘character and leadership’ help our students develop the attributes they need for their future, while emphasising the importance of being caring and compassionate towards others.
To ensure that the school’s vision is realised and that the students’ best interests are at the heart of every decision we make, the local academy council will act as a “critical friend”, holding the school to account for the quality of educational provision and student outcomes. We will also help to define the strategic direction of the school to ensure that resources are optimised and that students are fulfilling their potential.
King's Liverpool faces a wide variety of exciting challenges and I have no doubt that the combined experience, skills and knowledge of our local academy council, the school leadership team and its staff, will ensure that the school offers the very best to all members of our school community.
David Sorensen- Local Academy Council Chair
I have spent the last 30 years leading businesses in the Logistics and Technology sectors. My experience spans companies of different sizes, from <£5M turnover to £200M +.
Concentrating on building excellent relationships with customers and colleagues, making sure the product delivered, matches both the needs and expectations of the customer, whilst maintaining close contact with budgetary requirements, has allowed me to help numerous businesses flourish. Understanding where you want to go and mapping how you are going to get there are key components of building success. Born in London and state school educated, I now live in Liverpool. I believe that all children should have access to an excellent education and see this as the critical factor to improving social standards.
I am excited to be working with KLAL and hopefully my experience can help continue the journey to success.
Jenna Jensen- Co-opted Governor
My career has spanned working in marketing, communication and the digital sectors for two decades. I spent more than ten years heading up marketing teams in retail which led to a senior role in a large corporate firm. I grew up and went to school and university in Liverpool and have spent the last ten years working with clients across the Liverpool City region, both the public sector and smaller local firms.
I have volunteered because of my belief that every child, from every background, is entitled to have access to the best possible education. I enjoy working with the other governors in overseeing the work that delivers this at King's Leadership Academy.
Becka Griffin- Co-Opted Governor
I am an illustrator, director of my own small business, and small business mentor. As part of my mentor role I work within local Universities and secondary schools developing young people’s aspirations and encouraging them to think about their futures.
I was born in Liverpool and grew up in Cumbria - where I was lucky enough to thoroughly enjoy my time at school. During this time I developed my passion for art, which I have built a career in. I returned to Liverpool for University and have been here ever since. As a governor I want to help young people understand the life choices available to them, and to encourage them to go out, explore and achieve all that they can.
Maram Yehiah- Co-Opted Governor
With an academic background in international business and a career encompassing various roles within the L8 area, I am excited about the prospect of becoming a governor.
My international business degree has honed my strategic thinking and economic insights, which I've applied while working on projects aimed at closing the gap in digital skills through collaboration with the DWP. As an advisor, I've dedicated my efforts to addressing the unique challenges faced by our community members, and my experience as an activity coordinator for clubs in the L8 area underscores my commitment to fostering unity and combating loneliness.
My motivation to become a governor stems from a deep-seated belief in equity, community development, and mental well-being. I am eager to contribute to shaping policies that benefit our educational institutions and the broader community.
King's Liverpool welcome parents and members of the local community to apply to be a school governor
If you would like to join the local academy council please get in touch