The governance structure is set out as follows:

Members

The members are akin to the shareholders of a company. They have ultimate control over Athena Learning Trust, with the ability to appoint some of the trustees and the right to amend the articles of association.

Trustees

The trustees are responsible for the same three core governance functions performed by the governing body in a maintained school: setting the direction, holding the headteacher to account and ensuring financial probity. Academy trusts are charitable companies, and the trustees are company directors and must comply with company law requirements.

Local Governors

Individuals who sit on local governing bodies (LGBs) are referred to as ‘local governors’. The Primary Cluster is a combined Governing Body, formed by Altarnun Primary School, Egloskerry Primary School and Launceston Primary School. Bideford College and Atlantic Academy also have a combined governing body. Trustees delegate governance functions to the local level and have complete discretion over what is delegated to each LGB and committee via the Scheme of Delegation.  Each LGB is made up of a combination of staff members, parents, community members, and the Principal or Head of School.

There are direct channels of communication between the Chair of Trustees and the LGB chair and shared service via committees, including a termly chairs briefing. Athena's Head of Governance and Compliance coordinates the various committees and Board, and some schools have their own clerks to governing bodies.

Foundation governors in our church schools champion the school's Christian ethos and ensure it is reflected in every aspect of school life, while also providing a vital link between the school, the church, and the wider community.