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.

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.

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.