The members of the Multi Academy Trust enter into the funding agreement with the Secretary of State and are legally responsible both to the Secretary of State and to parents and pupils for the running of the Academy Trust and the academies within the Trust. They are also responsible for holding the directors to account for the running of the Trust. 

The functions of the members of the Academy Trust include:

• Overseeing the achievement of the objectives of the company
• Taking part in annual and extraordinary general meetings
• Appointing and/or removing directors
• Appointing the auditors
• Signing off the company’s financial accounts and annual report
• Power to amend the Articles of the company or close the company

There are five Members of the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust:

The Bishop of Coventry - Sophie Jelley

Bishop Jelley is a Senior Leader in the Church of England with a track record of leadership and governance experience within education at all levels.  She was Chair of the Board of Education in the Sheffield Diocese for five year and was a Member of two MATs in that time. She has particular interest in Early Years Foundation Stage and experience with LAC.  Though much of her experience has been in the context of Church of England schools, she also has extensive experience of engagement with community schools and the independent sector.

April Gold - The Diocesan Board of Education (Corporate Member)

April is Diocesan Director of Education for Coventry Diocese, and a Self Supporting Curate in Hillmorton Parish, Rugby. She was previously Deputy Director of Education and has a broad range of experience in supporting schools, parishes and churches to provide distinctively Christian education. She was previously a Deputy Head Teacher in a large Secondary School in Rugby, and has worked in education for 27 years.

April holds qualifications in Theology, Educational Leadership and Management, Christian Counselling and Psychology and is passionate about enabling all members of school communities to flourish as they pursue an education for life in all its fullness. April is a trustee of Nicholas Chamberlain School Foundation, Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance, and Together for Change.

April holds a vision for Church Schools rooted in Matthew 5:13-16 calling them to be distinctive in how they live and raise up a new generation of young people who are sent out to shine the light of Christ into the world as they use their gifts and talents to embody the Kingdom of God in their communities. April hopes to encourage children and their parish communities to to work together as world changers.

Appointed Member - Claire Drake

Claire is Chair of Governors at a primary school, where she has served on the board for several years. She has a strong interest in educational leadership, safeguarding, and supporting children with special educational needs. Claire has experience mentoring both primary and secondary-aged pupils and is currently completing a Level 3 Forest School Leadership qualification. She also volunteers as District Commissioner for Alcester and Avon Girlguiding. At home, Claire is kept busy with two children, 9 chickens, 4 dogs, 3 goats and a horse.

Persons with Significant Control (PSC)

• Coventry Diocesan Board of Education (RLE)
• The Bishop of Coventry in a corporate role (RLE)