Our Governance

Royal Rise Primary School is part of Cygnus Academies Trust, and all formal governance is carried out by the Trust Board, which is the legal accountable body for every school within the Trust.
This means that Royal Rise does not have a Local Governing Committee (LGC).
This governance model was introduced from September 2025 to strengthen clarity, consistency and accountability across the Trust.

For more information regarding the governance of Cygnus Academies Trust please visit our Governance webpage here

To see our Scheme of Delegation and governance structure as well as further Governance documentation please visit our webpage here

For more information around our governance, please contact our Governance Team on governance@cygnus.org.uk

Members

 Members are custodians of the governance of Cygnus Academies Trust

Trustees

Trustees are ultimately responsible and accountable for the trust. It is up to them to make sure the trust is compliant with it's charitable objectives, but also with company and charity law.

The Link Trustee for Royal Rise Primary School is Mark Jackson.

Mark Jackson has over 18 years of experience in the higher education sector in London, with a strong track record in facilities management, health and safety, academic timetabling, room bookings, customer service, and campus operations. He brings specialist expertise in space management and office accommodation planning, including the coordination of complex moves and relocations. Mark is also highly experienced in contract and supplier management, as well as financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

Currently serving as the Buildings and Safety Manager for the Department of Computer Science at University College London (UCL), Mark has held this role for the past seven years. Prior to joining UCL, he held key operational roles at the University of Law and London Business School.

Mark holds an MSc in Facilities Management and the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. He is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion within the built environment, consistently championing initiatives that promote equal access for all.

In addition to his professional work, Mark joined the Governing Body of Gravel Hill Primary School in 2021, where he served as the link Governor for Health and Safety and Joint Deputy Chair.

Now, as a Trustee of the Cygnus Academies Trust, Mark is committed to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.