Local-level governance within Aspire operates as a HUB model, with groups of academies working together as a HUB COUNCIL to work in line with an annual academy improvement programme designed to raise standards and for all Aspire academies to become outstanding. The Hubs are arranged geographically but may be formed for strategic reasons as per the Board. The Hub Council is made up of volunteers from the community, representing each Hub academy, alongside Senior Academy Leaders, led by an elected Chair.
The Hub Councils have been designed and created to focus primarily on monitoring, review and challenge for hub improvement, sports and pupil premium outcomes, academy monitoring and pupil progress.
The constitution of Hub Councils is set out in the Aspire Academy Trust Articles of Associations and Terms of Reference.
The role of the Hub Council is to ensure pupils receive their full entitlement, are safe, and enjoy academy life to the maximum. It is a strategic and monitoring role, responsible for promoting high standards and educational achievement. It must ask questions appropriately, challenge the Hub leaders and staff and others. Every Aspire academy is accountable to the Trust Board.
The Hub Development Plan implements the key prioritises at local level for academy development/improvement, monitoring standards, setting and reviewing targets. The Hub Council monitors the performance and progress of the academies through the Hub Development plan and targets, responds to school inspections, ensures the involvement of parents through appropriate consultation and dissemination of information and also promotes the academy within the local community.
The Hub Council has a clear role in that it provides advice, support, challenge and guidance to the Head of School and to the academy, and it also maintains a responsibility to carry out its duties as delegated by the Trust Board.
The Hub Council also ensures that the values of the school and the ethos and core values of Aspire are upheld and are sufficiently reflected in the academy’s long-term development plans.
The Hub Council will have an overview of the curriculum and the extra-curricular provision ensuring it meets the needs of all pupils.
The Hub Council will have a clear commitment to challenge effectively where necessary.
