Governing Body

Governance Arrangements 2025-26

Following the resignations of both the Chair and Vice Chair of Governors, The Cooper School is currently without experienced leadership within its governing body. 


From September 2025, the current Local Governing Body (LGB) structure has been paused and replaced by an Academy Interim Executive Board (AIEB). 

The aim of the AIEB is to strengthen accountability, build leadership capacity among future governors, and ensure the governing function can effectively support and challenge school leadership throughout the next phase of the school improvement journey. The ultimate objective is to re-establish a confident, well-trained, and high-performing Local Governing Body (LGB) by no later than January 2027. 

The AIEB is a blend of internal and external members to bring experience, challenge, and support. 


The members of the AIEB are:

Jill Cottee – Chair of Trustees, Acer Trust  (Chair of AEIB) 
Ben Potter – Trustee, Acer Trust 
Nathan Thomas – CEO, Acer Trust 
Mat Hunter – Member of the Acer Trust Executive Group, Headteacher at Icknield Community College 
Alisa Russell – Acer Trust Finance Director 
Taryn Ward –  Governor, The Cooper School 
Lee Smith – Governor, The Cooper School 
Charlotte Brown – Governor, The Cooper School 
Keith Wadley - Governor, The Cooper School


The Headteacher, Dr Robert Whannel, will attend all AEIB meetings. 

The AIEB’s dual role is: 

  1. To ensure rigorous governance and oversight during a period of school improvement. 
  2. To mentor and develop existing governors to become future leaders, including potential Chairs and Vice Chairs. 

 

Delegated Responsibilities and Governance 

The Trust’s Scheme of Delegation will not be altered as the delegated responsibilities will remain the same as they are to a Local Governing Body.  These include but are not limited to 

  • Educational standards and curriculum quality 
  • Safeguarding and child protection 
  • Financial oversight and budget monitoring 
  • Pupil attendance and behaviour 
  • Pastoral care and student wellbeing 
  • Health and safety compliance 
  • Engagement with parents, carers, and the wider community 

The AIEB is fully accountable to the Trust Board and operates within the same reporting and quality assurance framework as all other governance bodies within the Trust. 

meet OUR GOVERNORS 

 

 

 

 

I am delighted to be joining the Governing Board. I am a School Business Manager for a primary school in Oxford, having worked in the education sector for the last three years. Previously, I worked in the retail banking industry for 25 years.

As part of my personal development, I am currently undertaking a Level 7 post graduate apprenticeship in Strategic Leadership in Education. 

I’m looking forward to working with the Governors, to support The Cooper School to help the school achieve its long term goals.

I am the Behaviour Link Governor and have served on the governing board since 2023. I am committed to supporting The Cooper School in its mission to provide an environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

At The Cooper School, we believe that every student should be encouraged to Dream Big, Work Hard, and Be Kind. These guiding principles are at the heart of our approach to education, creating a positive, respectful atmosphere where students are able to reach their full potential. When students feel safe, respected, and supported, they are better equipped to excel not only in their studies but also in their growth as compassionate, engaged members of the community.

 In my role as Behaviour Link Governor, I work closely with school leadership to uphold these values, ensuring that our behaviour policies and practices reflect our commitment to each student’s success. The Cooper School’s mission goes beyond academic results; we aim to nurture responsible, empathetic individuals who will make meaningful contributions to their communities, prepared for the future, and inspired to make a difference.

 

 

Would you like to be a governor?

People want to become governors for a range of reasons.  Some are parents, some are staff members, and some are people from the local community who have no direct connection to The Cooper School.  Often people want to give something back to society.

Being a school governor can help you in your career.  These range from learning valuable management skills, through to developing strategic development plans and managing finances.

We are all passionate about improving the education on offer to Bicester families.  

The route to governance is designed to be low key, relatively informal and unintimidating.

Please contact the Clerk, Helen Rossiter hrossiter@acertrust.org.uk if you’d like to find out:

  • what governors do
  • how we work
  • what skills and experiences you could bring
  • how to apply

 

key documents

Register of Current and Historical Governors 

Register of Meeting Attendance 2024-25

Register of Interests 2025–26

Terms of Reference

School Improvement Plan - To Follow