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 am the Link Governor for Leadership and Management and Safeguarding.

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. 

I am the Link Governor for Well-being (including Behaviour and Emotional Well-being).

Michelle Cobb - Vice Principal

I have been the Vice Principal at Sandbach Primary Academy since September 2021. Before joining the school, I taught in key stage 2 for 22 years and now enjoy teaching in Reception and being part of the Early Years team. I am dedicated to improving the outcomes for all pupils at the school. 

I am the Link Governor for Health and Safety and Pupil Premium

Giselle Hulme

Since my daughter joined the nursery class of Sandbach Primary Academy, I have wanted to be involved in helping make the school the best place it can be. This is my first official role in a school, and I am looking forward to learning all I can, and hopefully have a positive impact on the school for the children of SPA. 

I am the Link Governor for Curriculum

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 3 at Sandbach Primary Academy. I've been working in the Insurance Broking Industry for the past 30 years and I'm current protecting businesses around the Northwest area. When I'm not with my girls and working you'll usually see me out running.

I am the Link Governor for Curriculum

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.

I am the Link Governor for Mathematics. 

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.

I am the Link Governor for SEND and English.