Resilience
We foster perseverance, adaptability and growth, empowering pupils and staff to overcome challenges, embrace change and bounce back stronger.
HomeGovernanceGovernance and leadership
Governance & leadership
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.
School overview
Who we are
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.
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.
Our stage-not-age curriculum prioritises safeguarding, emotional regulation, relational practice and preparation for positive next steps.
Everything we do is centred around the needs of our pupils.
Governance and leadership structure
Who holds us to account
LCE Academy is operated by Life Changing Education Ltd who have 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.
2Governing team
Chair of GovernorsMark Giles
Director of SENDJill Williams
DirectorJim Liptrot
Strategic Leadership and Wellbeing LeadPaul Wood
Leadership Development MentorDavid Millar
The governing team provides strategic oversight, challenge and support, with a strong focus on safeguarding, SEND effectiveness and statutory compliance.
3School leadership
HeadteacherSam GrayAccountable to the Proprietor
The Headteacher is accountable to the Proprietor for day-to-day leadership, safeguarding, operational management and quality assurance.
We create the conditions needed for engagement, progress and long-term success.
Vision, values and ethos
Three core values
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.
Integrity
We promote honesty, responsibility and accountability, helping pupils and staff to act with fairness, consistency and trust.
Respect
We value every individual, fostering safe, positive relationships where pupils feel heard, understood and treated with dignity.
Safeguarding leadership
Ensuring pupils feel safe, regulated and valued.
01
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Raheemot Kaffo
02
Deputy DSLs are appointed from senior and pastoral staff
03
Safeguarding practice is monitored daily and reported termly to the Governing Body
Key information
Who to contact
For anything relating to governance and leadership at LCE Academy, please contact our Headteacher or Proprietor.
Correspondence for the Chair of Governors, Mark Giles, can be sent to the school address.