Blackpool Skills Academy is a registered independent school operated by Blackpool Skills Academy CIC. Our governance arrangements provide clear accountability, appropriate challenge and oversight, and a strong focus on the education, safeguarding and wellbeing of every student.

Governance at Blackpool Skills Academy

Registered Proprietor

Blackpool Skills Academy CIC is the registered proprietor of Blackpool Skills Academy.

The proprietor has overall responsibility for ensuring that the School is effectively led and managed and that it meets the Independent School Standards and its wider statutory responsibilities. This includes oversight of safeguarding, the quality of education, student welfare, premises, policies, leadership and management.

The proprietor works with the Headteacher and the Local Governing Board to provide appropriate oversight, challenge and support, while ensuring that clear lines of accountability are maintained.

Local Governing Board

The Local Governing Board at Blackpool Skills Academy provides an important layer of oversight, scrutiny and challenge. Governors work alongside school leaders to support the strategic development of the School and to ensure that students are given every opportunity to succeed.

The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the School. Governors provide support and challenge to the Headteacher and senior leadership team, helping to monitor the effectiveness of the School and identify priorities for further improvement.

The responsibilities of the Local Governing Board include:

  • Supporting and challenging the strategic direction and vision of the School
  • Receiving assurance about the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum
  • Monitoring educational standards, student progress and outcomes
  • Working with school leaders to identify areas for improvement and monitor development priorities
  • Receiving assurance about safeguarding arrangements and ensuring that safeguarding remains a central priority
  • Monitoring attendance, behaviour and student wellbeing
  • Supporting the inclusion, participation and progress of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Monitoring careers education, personal development and preparation for students' next steps
  • Providing appropriate oversight of financial management and the effective use of resources
  • Maintaining a constructive, supportive and appropriately challenging relationship with the Headteacher and senior leaders
  • Helping to ensure that policies and practices reflect the needs of students and the wider Blackpool Skills Academy community

Governors at Blackpool Skills Academy

Chair of Governors and Safeguarding Lead – Oscar Marshall
Headteacher – David Hodge
Governor and Careers Lead – Andy Iredale
Governor and Inclusion Lead – Carly Spencer
Governor and Quality/Curriculum Lead – Kerry Maynard
Governor and Finance Lead – Steve Birchall

Contacting the Chair of Governors

If you have a concern about any aspect of the School, you are encouraged to contact the Chair of Governors in writing. The Local Governing Board is committed to listening carefully, responding appropriately and supporting clear and transparent communication with parents, carers and the wider community.

Correspondence for the Chair of Governors should be addressed to:

Oscar Marshall
Chair of Governors
Blackpool Skills Academy
c/o Revoe House
Stanley Road
Blackpool
FY1 4QL