Board of Trustees
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College Trustees play a vital role in supporting and overseeing the work of the school.
Trustees have many key responsibilities including overseeing school policies, the school budget and decisions regarding the curriculum.
Parent Trustee Vacancy
We have received a good response to our request for applications for the role of Parent Trustee, there is one vacancy and five candidates so we must now hold a ballot.
As there is one vacancy for Parent Trustee, each parent/carer of a student at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College has one vote.
The candidate statements are below, votes are cast via a form on Edulink. Voting will open at midday on Tuesday 19th May, voting will close at 11:55pm on Tuesday 5th June 2026.
Ballot paper: Parent Trustee Election – May 2026
| James Rivers | I have daughters in years 7 and 10 at Sandbach and I am keen to be a part of their education journey by investing my skills and experience in the governing body at this school.
I have been involved in the Parent Council and the PFA since my eldest started here and was also part of the LPPA working group on Parental Engagement. Previously, I held positions including Treasurer and Chair of the PTA at their primary school so I have a longstanding history of involvement as a parent in schools. For almost 7 years, I’ve held a senior leadership position in a national company with responsibilities in pharmaceutical distribution regulated by the Home Office. Before this post, I have a career history across many industries in an operational management role that’s included marketing, IT, legal, retail and the service industry. I feel this gives me a breadth of hands-on experience across a range of disciplines that would be of use to the school. My experience includes participation at Board level including chairing meetings, financial governance and strategic planning. I believe this will enable me to work constructively with the other Trustees as part of this governing body at Sandbach. On a personal level, I enjoy many activities including music festivals, DIY, travelling, gardening… but before anything else, being a Dad motivates me most. |
| Caroline Prince | I am applying to become a Trustee because I am committed to ensuring that every young person thrives in a safe, ambitious and nurturing school community. As a primary Headteacher and ex-Ofsted inspector with extensive experience in safeguarding leadership, I bring a deep understanding of how strong governance supports high‑quality education and protects the wellbeing of all pupils.
During my career, I have led whole‑school improvement, strengthened curriculum development, and overseen safeguarding systems. I work closely with families, external agencies and governing bodies, giving me a clear insight into how strategic decisions impact students, staff and the wider community. I believe this experience will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the school’s vision and long‑term priorities. As a parent, I want all students—including my daughter—to benefit from a school that is aspirational, inclusive and forward‑thinking. As a professional, I can offer expertise in policy scrutiny, staff development, and holding leaders to account with fairness and integrity. I am used to analysing data, evaluating school performance and ensuring that safeguarding remains at the heart of every decision. I am an approachable, collaborative and principled leader who values transparency and strong communication. If elected, I will work hard to represent the interests of all families and support the school to continue providing an excellent education for every student. |
| Sarah Ikin | I am applying for the role of Parent Trustee at Sandbach High School because I care deeply about the quality of education and support young people receive, both as a parent and as an experienced educator. Being part of a governing board is something I find genuinely rewarding, and I would value the opportunity to contribute to the school’s direction and success.
Over the past 20 years, I have worked in primary schools across Cheshire West and Manchester, and I am currently Vice Principal and SENCO in a large Manchester school. My role allows me to make a real difference to children’s lives every day, particularly those who are most vulnerable. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health Lead, I am passionate about ensuring children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive both academically and emotionally. I have also spent over 15 years serving on governing boards, which has helped me develop a strong understanding of the importance of balance—offering both support and appropriate challenge. I enjoy working collaboratively, asking questions, and continuing to learn. As a parent, my interest in Sandbach High School is personal. I want to play an active role in supporting the school to continue providing a high standard of education and care for all its students. I would feel privileged to contribute my experience, commitment, and enthusiasm to the trustee role. |
| Charlotte Clark | Having 3 daughters, gives me an ongoing engagement with school community, which strengthens understanding of parent perspectives. I have a good personal connection to school community and an appreciation of the journey our children take through education. I care deeply about ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and able to achieve their potential.
I work as a School Business Manager in a primary school and this gives me a broad understanding of how schools operate day to day and strategically, from safeguarding and compliance to finance, wellbeing, and supporting staff and leadership teams. I believe this experience would allow me to contribute positively, offering both practical insight and informed perspective. The Board is particularly seeking experience in education, safeguarding, and mental health and wellbeing, which I work with regularly and feel passionately about. Inclusion and making pupils feel equity is important to everyone’s wellbeing, seeing the bigger picture while still paying attention to detail. My safeguarding knowledge is strong and clear about identifying and responding to concerns, having completed annual training and my working life built on a strong commitment to safeguard all pupils and adults. I am naturally curious and not afraid to ask “why” in a constructive way, ensuring decisions are thoughtful and in the best interests of pupils. I am very approachable, realistic, and easy to talk to. I value listening to others and working collaboratively. I would welcome the opportunity to represent parents and contribute to the continued success and wellbeing of the school community. |
| Helen O’Donnell | As a long-standing SHSSFC parent, I care deeply about the school and the experience of every pupil. My youngest daughter is currently in Year 10, and my two older daughters also attended the school before going on to study at their first-choice universities. I would bring both strong professional experience and a genuine parent perspective to the role of Parent Trustee. Professionally, I have held senior leadership roles in schools, higher education and the charity sector, including as Development Director in two independent schools, Head of Development at the University of Liverpool, and as a charity CEO for 13 years. My work has focused on widening opportunity for young people, securing significant funding to enable greater access, leading organisational strategy, and improving both academic and non-academic outcomes. Since 2021, I have also served as a Trustee of Halliard Trust (a MAT of 12 schools across Cheshire East and West) and Chair of its SEND and Pupil Premium Lead Governor Network, alongside previous governor and Trustee roles. Most importantly, my family’s difficult experience of bullying, anxiety and mental health challenges has given me a clear understanding of how vital it is for every child to feel safe, supported and able to thrive at the school. I would be a thoughtful, committed and experienced Parent Trustee, able to support and challenge constructively while always keeping pupils’ wellbeing, opportunity and achievement at the heart of decision-making. |
Message from the Chair of Trustees
Dear Parents and Carers,
We would like to share some recent successes and highlights from our Full Trustees’ Meeting:
Careers Award
We are delighted that the school has recently been awarded the Quality in Careers Standard, recognising the strength, consistency and impact of our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance across all year groups. Trustees heard excellent feedback from the external assessor, who described our Careers provision as among the strongest they have seen.
Quality of Curriculum Area Reviews
Trustees continue to be impressed by the depth and rigour of curriculum area reviews taking place across departments. These reviews include learning walks, student voice, work scrutiny and evaluation of teaching and learning. Recent reviews in subjects including Science, Business, Computing and Economics show strong, well-embedded routines and high‑quality practice across the curriculum.
Support for Young Carers
We are incredibly proud of the exceptional support provided to our Young Carers. Feedback shared with Trustees highlighted the compassionate, proactive and long‑standing commitment the school has to these students. This provision goes far beyond statutory requirements and continues to be recognised as a real strength of the school community.
SSAT Educational Outcomes Award
We are very pleased to announce that the school has received an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award for being in the top 10% of non‑selective schools nationally for student attainment in the 2025 end of KS4 exams. This reflects the hard work, resilience and ambition of our students, supported by our dedicated staff.
Parent Trustee Vacancy
We have a vacancy for a Parent Trustee which we will be advertising after the Easter Break, in particular the Board is keen for candidates to have skills in education and safeguarding to apply for this position.
Thank you for your ongoing support for Sandbach High school and Sixth Form College
Caty Reid
Chair of the Board of Trustees
March 26
Composition of the Board
Members:
- Chris Abbott
- Mark Aspden
- Alan Bell
- Charlotte Clark
- Naboth Tinarwo
Trustees:
- Alan Bell
- Orlagh Cliff
- Sue Green
- Gerry Heath - Vice Chair
- Ben Hunt
- Emma Jones - Parent Trustee
- Sharon Joyce - Careers Link Trustee
- David Morgan
- Caty Reid - Chair of Board of Trustees / Safeguarding Link Trustee
- Matt Snelson - SEND Link Trustee
- Ellen Walton - Headteacher
- Kian Woodward
- Vacancy - Parent Trustee
Committees
Finance and Audit committee (F&A) – Chair – Sharon Joyce (Alan Bell - Vice Chair)
Student and Curriculum committee (S&C)– Chair – Matt Snelson (Orlagh Cliff - Vice Chair)
Resources Committee (R) – Chair – Ben Hunt (co-chaired with Gerry Heath)
Annual declarations of Conflict of Interests and pecuniary interest, roles and term.
| Name | Role | Declaration | Term (if Trustee) |
| Chris Abbott | Member | Child attend SHSSFC | NA |
| Mark Aspden | Member | Governor Wharton CE Winsford / Edsential Community Interest | NA |
| Alan Bell | Trustee & Member | 19/9/19-30/9/27 | |
| Charlotte Clark | Member | Child attend SHSSFC, SBM and Associate Governor, Dingle/Haslington Primary | NA |
| Orlagh Cliff | Trustee | Child attends SHSSFC | 23/10/21 – 23/10/29 |
| Susan Green | Parent Trustee | Child attends SHSSFC | 18/6/25 - 18/6/29 |
| Gerry Heath | Vice Chair- Trustee | 19/9/19 – 30/9/27 | |
| Ben Hunt | Trustee | Head of Property, Reaseheath College | 19/9/19 – 30/9/27 |
| Emma Jones | Parent Trustee | Children (x2) attend SHSSFC | 18/6/25 – 18/6/29 |
| Sharon Joyce | Trustee | 19/9/19 – 30/9/27 | |
| David Morgan | Trustee | Child attends SHSSFC
Trustee of Sandbach United Football Club CIO Beswicks Solicitors Ltd |
19/7/23 – 19/7/27 |
| Caty Reid | Chair of Trustees | Headteacher of Clayton Hall Academy | 21/9/22 – 16/9/26 |
| Matt Snelson | Trustee | CEO of Sir John Brunner Foundation
Confederation Schools Trust - Policy advisory board |
1/4/25 – 1/4/29 |
| Naboth Tinarwo | Member | Child attends SHSSFC | NA |
| Ellen Walton | Headteacher | Trustee on the Cornovii Trust | NA |
| Kian Woodward | Trustee | Child attends SHSSFC | 13/12/23 – 13/12/27 |
Changes to the Board of Trustees:
Gemma Bailey, Member - leaving date 12/12/24
Patrick Heywood, Member - leaving date 23/4/25
Emma Jones - Elected Parent Trustee 18/6/25
Chris Abbot - Member, Joined 24/4/25
Mark Aspden - Member, Joined 24/4/25
Paula Jones - Member, leaving date 14/7/25
Charlotte Clark - Member, joined 1/9/25
Ruth Williams - Parent Trustee resigned 20/3/26
Attendance to Board of Trustee Meetings 2024-2025
Company information
Registered in England and Wales
Registered number: 07404747
Registered Office: SHSSFC, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 3NT
