Governance

An overview of LCE Academy’s purpose, values and ethos, outlining how governance supports a safe, inclusive and high-quality specialist provision.

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4 students sat at a table smiling and talking
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Overview

School Overview

This section outlines LCE Academy’s governance, leadership, accountability and compliance arrangements. It is intended to support Independent School Standards (ISS) compliance and inspection activity and should be read alongside the school’s policy suite.

LCE Academy is an independent specialist provision for pupils aged 11–16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), primarily for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside co-occurring needs. We serve pupils from Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Manchester, West Yorkshire, Bury and surrounding areas, with a planned capacity of 108. Our stage-not-age curriculum prioritises safeguarding, emotional regulation, relational practice and preparation for positive next steps.

  • Specialist Provision – Dedicated support for pupils with EHCPs and SEMH needs
  • Regional Reach – Serving multiple local authorities across Greater Manchester and beyond.
  • Purposeful Curriculum – A stage-not-age model focused on safety, regulation and future readiness.
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Trauma Informed

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SEN have SEMH

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Relational practice

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Places

Structure

Governance & Leadership Structure

LCE Academy is operated by Life Changing Education Ltd who chosen to have a governing body or management committee, to provide the highest levels of accountability and to ensure that oversight of leaders is provided

everything we do is centred around the needs of our pupils

Proprietor and Governance

Proprietor: Krystian Liptrot

Governing Team:

  • Mark Giles – Chair of Governors – Appointed: January 2026
  • Jill Williams – Director of SEND – Appointed: September 2022
  • Jim Liptrot – Director – Appointed: September 2020
  • Paul Wood – Strategic Leadership and Wellbeing Lead – Appointed: January 2026
  • David Millar – Leadership Development Mentor – Appointed: September 2020
  • The governing team provides strategic oversight, challenge and support, with a strong focus on safeguarding, SEND effectiveness and statutory compliance.
  • Headteacher: Sam Gray – Appointed: January 2026
  • Deputy Headteacher: David Jeal Appointed: January 2025
  • Assistant Headteacher / SENDCo: Lindsey Drews – Appointed :January 2026

 

  • The Headteacher is accountable to the Proprietor for day-to-day leadership, safeguarding, operational management and quality assurance.
  • The Headteacher acts as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Deputy DSLs are appointed from senior and pastoral staff
  • Safeguarding practice is monitored daily and reported termly to the Governing Body
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Ensuring pupils feel safe, regulated and valued.

we create the conditions needed for engagement, progress and long-term success.

LCE Academy

Vision, Values & Ethos

Our work is underpinned by three core values:
Resilience, Integrity and Respect.

These values shape decision-making at every level and support a trauma-informed, relational approach to education.

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Resilience

We foster perseverance, adaptability and growth, empowering pupils and staff to overcome challenges, embrace change and bounce back stronger.
Students and teacher studying at school

Integrity

We promote honesty, responsibility and accountability, helping pupils and staff to act with fairness, consistency and trust.
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Respect

We value every individual, fostering safe, positive relationships where pupils feel heard, understood and treated with dignity.