The Academy Council collectively provide a challenge and support function to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team.
The setting of rigorous and clear targets, and the frequent detailed monitoring and questioning of progress, is fundamental to providing the educational aspirations that Ramsden Hall Academy desires for all its students.
The Academy Council of an academy or Free School is responsible for ensuring that it is run to promote excellent pupil outcomes. Its duties include:
- Holding the Headteacher to account as a "critical friend"
- Supporting the Headteacher
- Agree policies delegated to this Council
- Making visits to the school to meet staff and pupils
- Monitoring the spend of the delegated budget, including Pupil Premium
Ryan Carter
Ryan joined the Academy Council as the Staff Governor in 2021. Ryan has the best interests of pupils in mind at all times and is developing new ways to engage the most reluctant of pupils. Ryan pursued his passion working with SEN children in a Pupil referral unit when he left university in 2014. Ryan has since worked a number of different roles; within a PRU and SEMH settings, working as a Teaching assistant, childcare officer, instructor and now as a Qualified Teacher at Ramsden Hall Academy.
Alongside Ryan’s passion for education and working in SEN provisions, Ryan also loves to travel not only the world but within the UK to push himself outside of his comfort zones whenever possible. Ryan also has introduced his dog Aavie as a therapeutic support for students who are unable to communicate their needs and feelings to adults, especially in times of crisis. This has allowed a number of students to have emotional breakthroughs and supports the therapeutic approach of Ramsden Hall Academy. As someone who is always looking to develop his skillset and learn from others around him, Ryan is relishing this new role working with the Academy council at Ramsden Hall as Staff Governor.
Brian Collins
Brian joined the Academy Council in May 2025; this is his first School governor role.
Brian become familiar with operational aspects of Academy schools in an earlier role as Director of Finance and Operations for a local Essex Academy Trust, a position he held for 5 years.
His other positions were senior Finance roles in large multinational companies (Utilities and Financial Services sectors) and most recently as Financial Controller for a private care home organisation.
Brian is retired and married with one grown up son and now enjoys running, trying to play golf and attending the local gym.
Rosemary Lovatt
Rosemary joined the Academy Council in August 2023 and became the Chair of the Academy Council in February 2024.
After leaving a 20-year career in the corporate sector as a senior global leader, Rosemary took her first steps into governance at her daughters’ secondary school where she became chair. Since then, Rosemary has made school governance her career, as a consultant, trainer and National Leader of Governance.
Rosemary has experience chairing governing boards in many settings, including a large secondary academy, a maintained primary school, a primary school within a MAT and a large junior school within a diocesan MAT. She has been a trustee in four different MATs and is currently a trustee of a growing ten school primary MAT.
Jo Oldham
Jo joined the Ramsden Hall Academy Council in 2018, after their pupils joined the work experience programme at her IT company, Clear Thinking, in Billericay. Jo is currently Acting Vice Chair of the Academy Council.
With a background in TV production Jo was the youngest TV producer at Anglia TV, working closely with Trisha Goddard to promote the importance of speaking out about mental health.
Since becoming a mother in 2008, Jo spent over 10 years as a Breast-Feeding Peer Supporter and continues to be an advocate to mother centred breastfeeding support. She also spent 6 years as the secretary of a Parent Teacher Association organising memorable events for the children and local community.
With a Diploma in HR Jo promotes diversity in the workplace with an ongoing goal to empower others to succeed. A proactive yet personal leader she initiated PCs for Home Schooling during the pandemic, where devices are refurbished and donated to underprivileged pupils. Jo is also currently training to swim a Channel relay in 2022 to educate children living near water and in poverty about water safety and to teach them how to swim.
Now a member of the Academy Council at Ramsden Hall Academy, Jo has passed a Level 3 Safeguarding qualification to further support the pupils, parents and staff, as the Link Governor for Safeguarding
Sue Butt
This is Sue's first role as a School Governor, although she has been involved in education for all of her working career.
Now semi-retired, Sue is a part time Inclusion Manager at a Thurrock Primary School. Sue started her career as a class teacher, then moved into a special needs role when the post of SENCO was first introduced in the 1990s. She has been involved in this area of education, within a mainstream setting, ever since.
Sue is married, with two grown up children and three grandchildren and loves spending time with the family.
Sue loves being outdoors and enjoys walking, running, skiing and messing about on the river in the canoe. She also enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing games, cooking and eating!
Alexa Stone
With over 20 years’ of experience in NHS governance, this is Alexa’s first Parent Governor role; joining the Academy Council in September 2025. Alexa has many transferable professional skills, as well as being the parent of two sons with additional needs, one in mainstream education and one at Ramsden Hall Academy. Alexa has a passion for quality improvement and raising standards, ensuring objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timebound) and organisations are held to account. Currently working for a large NHS Hospital in central London, Alexa works in the corporate division ensuring the trust complies with mandatory requirements, liaising with staff at all levels of the organisation. Additionally, Alexa is an assistant Cubs Leader and also supports the wider Scouting Group in her local village. Helping out weekly, as well as at camp and on community days.
In her free time, Alexa enjoys travelling, exploring beautiful gardens, baking and being outdoors. When she is not so tired, Alexa will get back to riding her motorcycle, just for fun!
Claire Dakin-Smith
Claire joined the governing body as a Parent Governor recently and is passionate about supporting the school in providing a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can achieve their full potential. As a parent of a child at the school, they value the important role that education plays in helping young people thrive both academically and personally.
With a professional background as a Paramedic and experience working in Public Health, Claire brings a strong understanding of health, wellbeing, safeguarding and community engagement. Their career has involved working closely with diverse communities, promoting positive health outcomes and supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances.
This is Claire’s first position as a governor, and is committed to working collaboratively with school leaders, staff, parents and fellow governors to support the school's strategic development and ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.
