Meet The Governors

Our Local Academy Committee is made up of representatives from the school and local community.

Claire Caldwell - Principal

I am the Principal at Sandbach Academy, and have been since September 2018. Prior to that I was the Deputy Headteacher here and a teacher before that. I have worked at Sandbach Primary Academy for over 15 years, and am totally committed to the continued success of the school.

Michelle Coppenhall- Chair

I became a Parent Governor for SPA in 2010 and have supported the school since then in differing roles as the Chair and also as a Trustee of the Aspire Educational Trust.  I recently stepped back in to the role as Chair in 2023 and am enjoying the involvement at a local level.

I have lived in Sandbach for 25 years and my daughter has very fond memories of her time at SPA.  A school that really cares for each and every one of their pupils.

Outside of volunteering at SPA, I am still a trustee of the Aspire Educational Trust and have a special interest in Standards.  Aside of that I work as a Sales and Business Analyst for an Independent Retirement Community.

Rebecca Marshall-Clarke

I joined Sandbach Primary Academy as Vice Principal in January 2024, having  taught in another Aspire School for 6 years. Having previously worked across Key Stage One and Two, I have deep understanding of just how important it is to build strong foundations, this guides my work in EYFS. I've had a previous career in Medical Market Research and trained to teach inspired by the difference the Aspire Trust made to my own children. I have a strong professional and personal interest in SEND and a deep personal commitment to giving every child the best start, regardless of their starting point.

Rev Alistair Stewart

I am Reverend for Sandbach Baptist Church, and have been since 2009. The church meet at Sandbach Primary Academy each Sunday and I have close links with the schools, supporting with residential visits and leading assemblies. 

Michelle Cobb 

I have worked in the education sector for over 24 years, as a teacher, Vice Principal and now as a Maths Consultant and Primary Mastery Specialist for Aspire Educational Trust and Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub. I previously taught at Sandbach Primary Academy where I was Vice principal, Early Years and Phonics and Early Reading Lead. I am delighted to continue to support the school in providing a great educational experience for children in our local community.

Melanie Brooks

I moved to Sandbach 3 years ago and have loved every minute.  Most of my time I spend with my 3 girls, a Geography Teacher, a Mental Health Nurse and my youngest daughter who is in Year 5 at Sandbach Primary Academy. I've been working in the Insurance Broking Industry for the past 30 years and I'm currently protecting businesses around the Northwest area. When I'm not with my girls and working you'll usually see me out running.

Gareth Lindop

I have worked in the education sector for over 15 years, both as a teacher and delivering policy and stakeholder engagement across primary, secondary and further education. I am currently Policy Manager at the Teaching School Hubs Council and am keen to support Sandbach Primary Academy in providing a great educational experience for children in our local community.

Rebecca Fitzhugh

I qualified as a Primary School Teacher 15 years ago and have worked across Key Stage One and Two during that time. I spent over 10 years as a Science co-ordinator and have also led Phonics, Speech and Language and Makaton within school. I am particularly interested in SEND from a teacher's perspective, but also personally, as I have a child with SEN. I am looking forward to my role as a governor and supporting the school continue to develop.

Lisa Murrell

Mrs Murrell is a new governor and her profile will be updated very soon.

Shaun Wooldridge

I have two children attending the school in both preschool and mainstream. I have worked in the telecommunication and IT sector for over a decade so have a keen interest in how the school develops the skills of the children and provides education on how to be safe online. I look forward to my role as governor, ensuring the children come first in the decision-making process.