Parent Councillor – Election

Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s)

I wrote to you on 7th November 2025 to invite nominations for the vacancy for a parent councillor.

As we have more candidates than vacancies, we must now hold an election. To cast your vote online, please click here. If you need a hard copy of the ballot form, please contact the school office.
The closing date for casting your vote is 12th December 2025 at 16:00.

You may vote for one candidate, regardless of how many children you have at the academy.

You may only submit one ballot form.

In the event of a draw, the Academy Council will select the candidate whose skills and experience align most closely with the needs of the Academy Council.
Please find a short bio submitted by each candidate below:

Candidate 1 – Lynsey McKinstry
As a Strategic Business Partnerships Manager at Weston College, I work with employers and schools to inspire young people about skills, vocational pathways and STEM. I’m passionate about developing both technical and soft skills to prepare learners for future success. Currently completing a Level 5 in Leadership and Management and having undertaken the Education and Training Foundation’s Management in Further Education, I also bring a commitment to inclusive learning. I believe no student should be left behind and want every learner to feel proud of our town, progress confidently, and contribute positively to their community.
Candidate 2 – Melodee Cummins
I would like to be a councillor as I have previous experience as I was a parent governor at my child’s old primary school in Bristol. I feel I’ll be able to help massively. I have 2 children who are amazing. I used to travel up to London for agm meetings for making the world a better place for children. I am very passionate and understanding.
Candidate 3 – Josh Hodder
As a father of two children at Broadoak, with another joining soon, I have a long-term commitment to the Academy’s success. While I recognise and value the progress made, I haven’t always agreed with every decision over the years. I see this role as an opportunity to provide constructive challenge, ensuring fairness and the best outcomes for all our children.
I bring previous voluntary experience as Vice Chair of Governors at Mendip Green Primary, Deputy Chair for G4C South West, and Special Inspector for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Professionally, I oversee major infrastructure projects at Bristol Airport.
Candidate 4 – Charlotte Hughes
As a full time working parent of 2 children at this school and a Senior Payment Specialist for Barclaycard, I am keen to give back to the school community. I am an advocate for community spirit, having played roles within the local Rugby team as well as work within the community gaining experience with working with young adults with autism, epilepsy and learning difficulties. My professional experience has given me strong skills in strategic leadership and managing complex projects with oversight, which I believe are highly transferable skills to the Councillor role. I was a Parent Governor for St Martins School during the time that my children attended there. I am passionate about ensuring all children have access to excellent opportunities and well-rounded education, and I am committed to using my professional background to support the school’s continued success in a tangible way. I am keen to become part of the team responsible for ensuring that the school can continue to provide an outstanding education for all of our children.
Candidate 5 – Laura Panter
As a parent and ex secondary school teacher, I believe I can give a passionate yet realistic input to helping vocalise needed changes within the school to help our children flourish in the classroom as well as out. I want to be a part of the voice that can enable all children to feel wholly included, accepted and valued. Encouraging involvement and opportunity within the classroom as well as social times and outside school are important to me. I recently founded a Facebook parent group for the new intake, as a means of communication in the interim as I feel ‘a parent voice’ is vital.
Candidate 6 – Stuart Harrington
I am in my 4th year as an Academy Councillor at a CLF Primary School where I hold the role of Deputy Chair with responsibilities for Health and Safety and Campus Management. Alongside my day job as an Operations Manager in the Civil Service, this has given me a lot of experience to bring to Broadoak. As a former Broadoak student and now as a parent, I am keen to give back to the Academy and help drive Broadoak forward through strategic leadership.

Yours sincerely

Minna Koo
Clerk to the Academy Council