Rye College

Aquinas Advisory Council

The school is an academy within the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust (Aquinas).

The responsibility for the oversight and management of all aspects of the Aquinas Trust (Aquinas) rests with the Board of Trustees. The day to day management of Aquinas has been delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Griffiths. The day to day operation of Rye College has been delegated to the Headteacher, Mr. Dom Downes.

In order to assist the Head Teacher, Mr. Dom Downes, the Trustees of Aquinas have established Aquinas Advisory Councils (AAC) for each academy including Rye College. 

Rye College Aquinas Advisory Council Members

  • Ms. Sally Dennison (Chair/Trust appointed member)
  • Mr. Andrew Ferguson (Trust appointed member)

  • Mr. Jeremy O'Donovan (Trust appointed member)

  • Mr. Alan Powell (Trust appointed member) 

  • Mrs. Leigh Beek (Parent elected member).  Vacancy. 

  • Mrs. Rachael Street (Staff elected member)

  • Mr. Dom Downes (Head Teacher)

The purpose and responsibilities of the Aquinas Advisory Council

The AAC does have delegated responsibility in relation to aspects of admissions, appointment of staff, complaints, performance management, permanent exclusions, school inspections, staff grievance and disciplinary. The AAC also has the ability to escalate concerns to the Headteacher, CEO or Trustees.

The AAC members meet at least 3 times a year and certain members will have specific functions as agreed by the AAC and the Headteacher. Members will also forge links with the school and wide community. Notes of the AAC meeting are available on request.

AAC Members’ code of conduct and declaration of business interests support the following principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

If you wish to contact the Chair of the AAC or any of its members, please email: office@ryecollege.co.uk  and insert in the subject box ‘for the attention of the clerk to the Aquinas Advisory Council. 

Key Documents 

AAC Declaration of Business Interests

AAC Attendance at Meetings

Aquinas Advisory Council Protocol and Delegation