Role of the Academy Committee
Inspiring Futures Partnership Trust (IFPT) Board have established an “Academy Committee” for Abbey View Primary Academy. The overarching purpose of an Academy Committee is to support and provide effective challenge around the strategic direction and performance of the relevant academy within the framework and parameters set by the Trust Board. Those serving on an Academy Committee are accountable to the Trust Board and must ensure that at all times they act in good faith and in the best interests of the academies and the Trust, exercising reasonable care and skill having particular regard to the personal knowledge and experience. The role and responsibilities of the Academy Committee is detailed in the Academy Committee Terms of Reference.
An Academy Committee’s core duties are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Effective challenge of the principal for the educational performance of the academy and its pupils
- Effective review and challenge of the financial performance of the academy to ensure that its money is well spent.
Meet Abbey View Primary Academy Committee Representatives
The Academy Committee is responsible for the continued success of Abbey View Primary Academy.
Academy Committee Chair
|
I joined the IFPT Board of Trustees in 2023 and was appointed as Chair of Abbey View Primary Academy Committee. I have been teaching in secondary schools for 15 years, with my longest serving role as Head of English in an Outstanding school in London. I am now Head of Inclusion and training to be a SENCO.
I look forward to working with the Trust and in particular with AVPA staff and parents to support and advocate for our children, as I feel strongly that an enriching education and school experience is the key to building a secure foundation for children to have a happy, fulfilling life.
My eldest son attends Abbey View in Year One and my youngest son is starting school next year. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my children, reading, travelling, and cooking. |
Academy Committee Vice Chair
Andy Foweather
|
Andy has lived in High Wycombe since 2015, moving with his family from Gerrards Cross and joined the Academy Committee in July 2022. He worked for the majority of his career in FMCG with over 11 years experience as a UK & Ireland and EMEA region commercial board director for General Mills. For the last four years Andy is leading a boutique business consultancy with offices in High Wycombe and Toronto.
Andy is an active parent, with two daughters, one attending Abbey View and the other at Wycombe High School.
In his spare time he enjoys cycling and spending time with his family. |
Academy Representative
Zara Sohail
|
Zara joined the IFPT Board of Trustees in 2023 and is currently Chair of the PTFA at Abbey View, where two of her three children are pupils. She is committed to playing an active role in supporting and strengthening education within her local community, with a particular focus on representing the interests of students, parents, and teaching staff.
Zara is a highly experienced finance and risk management professional, having worked within a multinational pharmaceutical organisation. She currently holds a finance role at a local girls’ school, bringing valuable insight into financial governance, budget management, and the operational realities of the education sector.
Zara enjoys keeping fit, travelling, and spending time with her family.
|
Academy Representative
Hannah Kruimer
|
Hannah joined the Academy Committee in 2023. She’s originally from the Netherlands and is experienced in law, regulation and policy of the energy sector.
She is married to James and they have two sons together. Hannah is passionate about making sure every child gets the best possible education and offering her guidance on Abbey View’s strategic direction.
Hannah loves spending time with her family, keeping fit and reading. |
Academy Representative
Sam Edmondson|
Sam is a secondary school Physical Education teacher and SENCO who moved to High Wycombe in 2021. Sam and his family live on the Pine Trees estate where they enjoy walking their dog, Lola.
Sam has been a SENCO since 2017, with a keen interest in supporting children with special educational needs, and an MA and PhD in education from St Mary’s University.
In his spare time, Sam enjoys reading, music, snowboarding and sports.
|
Academy Committee Register of Interest- 2025
Joining the Academy Committee
Interested in joining Abbey View Primary Academy Committee? We would love to hear from you.
Please click on the link below to express interest:
Expressing Interest in becoming an Abbey View Primary Academy Committee Representative Form
