One of the ways in which you can support your local community school is by becoming a governor. Governance is a hugely important part of the life of the academy; governors act as critical friends, challenging the leadership and supporting academy life. If you would like to know more about the role of the governor, please don’t hesitate to contact the clerk to governors who can be reached via info@thedeanacademy.org

Correspondence to the governing body should be directed to the Chair of Governors, Ms Amanda Deeks and sent to The Clerk to Governors, Mrs Michelle Saddington, The Dean Academy, Church Road, Lydney. GL15 5DZ.

Governance details can be found on the Athelstan Trust website.

I am honoured to have been appointed as Chair of The Dean Academy’s Local Governing Body.

The Dean Academy Local Governing Body is comprised of parent governors or co-opted governors drawn from the local community. We are extremely fortunate to have a team of governors with a wide range of skills and experience who are all committed to the growth and success of the school. We want the best possible outcomes for all the young people who attend The Dean Academy. We are part of the Athelston Trust’s growing community of schools. The Trust is committed to raising educational standards and believes in developing the talents and skills of all staff and students.

I am a passionate believer in every child having the benefit of an excellent education and to have as wide a range of experiences as possible included in that education. Parents must make choices about the best education for their child, and I believe that we have an obligation to ensure that they have an excellent school at the heart of their local community. We aim to help our school achieve the best possible outcomes for our students, and through our core values of respect and responsibility, produce the citizens of the future.

I grew up in the Forest of Dean, and have lived near Lydney for the last 30 years. I recently retired as Chief Executive of South Gloucestershire Council which has allowed me to play a more active role in the local community. In addition to my role at The Dean Academy, I am a trustee for Gloucestershire Young Carers and a member of Gloucestershire’s Children and Young People’s Coalition. I also have a passion for music and play the cornet with Forest of Dean Brass, one of our local brass bands that reflect a great tradition in the Forest of Dean.

I have five (soon to be six) grandchildren who are a constant reminder of how precious our children are, and our responsibilities to ensure all our children have the best possible chance of a happy and healthy future.

Amanda Deeks OBE