Governance

Governance structure

Bearbrook Combined School is an academy of the Great Learners Trust (GLT). The Great Learners Trust is a charity and a company limited by guarantee and is comprised of and governed by:

• Members who guarantee the liabilities of the Trust and review the strategic direction.

• A Board of Trustees who are responsible for, and oversee, the management and administration of the Trust and the Academies run by the Trust.

• Local Governing Boards (LGBs) - GLT Trustees have established academy governance committees, known as Local Governing Boards (LGBs) to carry out some of its school level governance functions. The Local Governing Board ensures that the Trust’s mission and values are reflected within our school community. It monitors how well the school is performing, supports the school's unique ethos and curriculum, and provides reports to the Trust Board on local priorities and progress. In fulfilling these duties, the LGB serves as an important link between the Trust Board and the local community, including parents, pupils, and staff.

The LGB operates in accordance with the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, which outlines the division of responsibilities between the Trust Board and local governance.

Together, the Trust Board and the LGB ensure effective governance that prioritises pupils' learning, safety, and wellbeing in all decision-making.

Further information about the governance structure and committee terms of reference can be found on the GLT website - https://www.greatlearnerstrust.co.uk/

Bearbrook Governing Board

The chair of the LGB is Drew Cowburn and can be contacted via the school office.

Meeting Dates 2025/26

The LGB meets each term and the dates for the meetings this academic year are:

• Autumn Term: 2nd October 2025
• Spring Term: 12th March 2026
• Summer Term: 9th July 2026

Statutory Information

As a school within the Great Learners Trust, we are required to publish key governance information so families can clearly understand how our school is supported and overseen.

Our school follows the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, Local Governing Board (LGB) Terms of Reference, and the Trust’s Governance Structure. These documents explain how responsibilities are shared between the Trust and the school, the areas of focus for governors, and how governance works across the Trust.  All of these documents are available to view on the Great Learners Trust website.

Every governor also completes an annual Register of Interests to ensure transparency regarding any personal or professional connections. We also publish the Governor Attendance Record for the previous academic year so families can see each governor's level of engagement in LGB meetings. These documents are both available to view below.