Academy Community Council (Governance)
We are a part of the Co-op Academies Trust, which is a multi-academy trust. Our Trust Board is legally responsible for the effective running of the whole Trust. To learn more about trust-level governance, please visit our Trust’s central website here.
Our Academy Community Council (ACC) is made up of our Community Council Members (CCMs) who are responsible for ensuring a high-quality student experience that meets the needs of our local community. Learn more about them below.
Community Council Members
Alex Bottomley
|
Full Name |
Alex Bottomley |
|---|---|
|
Date of appointment |
01/07/2026 |
|
Term of office |
N/A |
|
Category of CCM |
Ex-officio |
|
Appointed by |
By virtue of appointment as Head |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Amy Arthur
|
Full Name |
Amy Arthur |
|
Date of appointment |
21/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Sponsor |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Sponsor |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |

I am delighted to serve as Chair of the Academy Community Council (ACC) at Co-op Academy Strinesdale, a role that is particularly meaningful to me as I attended the school myself. Having experienced first-hand the positive impact that education and a supportive school community can have on a child's development, I am passionate about helping ensure every pupil has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.
I have worked for Co-op for over seven years and currently work as a People Business Partner, supporting leaders and colleagues across the business to deliver positive outcomes through strategic people initiatives, organisational development, and culture change. I am also a Sponsor Community Council Member (CCM) within the Co-op Academies Trust, giving me valuable insight into the Trust's vision, values, and commitment to improving life chances for young people.
Alongside my professional role, I have several years of governance experience, having served as Vice Chair at another primary school for three years. This experience has strengthened my understanding of effective governance and the important role it plays in supporting school improvement, providing appropriate challenge and support, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for children.
As Chair, I am committed to working collaboratively with school leaders, staff, parents, and the wider community to build on the school's strengths and support its continued success. I am particularly passionate about ensuring every child receives a high-quality education, feels safe, valued and supported, and leaves school equipped with the skills, confidence, and aspirations they need to succeed in the future.
Being able to give back to a school that played such an important role in my own journey is a privilege. I am proud to support Co-op Academy Strinesdale and help ensure that current and future generations of pupils have every opportunity to flourish and achieve their potential.
Anita Nessa
|
Full Name |
Anita Nessa |
|
Date of appointment |
24/08/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Sponsor |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by the Sponsor |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Sahra Hakim
|
Full Name |
Sahra Hakim |
|
Date of appointment |
03/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Community |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Academy Community Council |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
David McIntyre
|
Full Name |
David McIntyre |
|
Date of appointment |
10/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Community |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Academy Community Council |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Nahid Akhtar
|
Full Name |
Nahid Akhtar |
|
Date of appointment |
17/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Community |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Academy Community Council |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Tariq Rafique
|
Full Name |
Tariq Rafique |
|
Date of appointment |
21/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Community |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Academy Community Council |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Nadeem Iqbal
|
Full Name |
Nadeem Iqbal |
|
Date of appointment |
19/10/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Community |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Academy Community Council |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Sadia Bano
|
Full Name |
Sadia Bano |
|
Date of appointment |
23/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Staff |
|
Appointed by |
Elected by Staff |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Katie O'Leary-Russell
|
Full Name |
Katie O'Leary-Russell |
|
Date of appointment |
23/09/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Staff |
|
Appointed by |
Elected by Staff |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
Darren Ramsden
|
Full Name |
Darren Ramsden |
|
Date of appointment |
04/11/2026 |
|
Term of office |
4 years |
|
Category of CCM |
Sponsor |
|
Appointed by |
Appointed by Sponsor |
|
Declarations of Interest |
Nothing to declare |
What do Community Council Members do?
Our CCMs support our school leaders and help them make sure we provide the best possible education and life chances for our pupils. CCMs volunteer their time to help ensure we are working at our best, and it is a key responsibility to make sure that our schools understand the needs of their communities and that everyone who has an interest in the school is able to make their voice heard when decisions are being made.
As well as recruiting CCMs from our local communities, parents are welcome to apply for a role as a parent CCM. This exciting opportunity offers training and guidance to allow you to become an active member of our Academy Community Council and school community.
Become a Community Council Member
Interested in becoming a CCM? Register your interest here.
Contacting the Academy Community Council
Anyone in our community is welcome to contact the Academy Community Council to give them feedback or raise concerns. You can do this by:
Letter: Please enclose any letter in a sealed envelope and mark it as confidential and for the attention of the Academy Community Council, you can then give this to Reception, who will ensure it is delivered to the Chair of the ACC.