Sarah Burns – Headteacher

Sarah Burns was born in Southampton but raised and educated in the Potteries. She attended her local comprehensive school and went to the Sixth Form College in Stoke before going on to study mathematics at Bangor University and then completing a PGCE at Durham University. Prior to joining Sandbach School Sarah was Deputy Head Teacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Ashbourne and Assistant Head Teacher at Biddulph High School Staffordshire. She lives in North Staffordshire with her husband and in her spare time enjoys traveling, reading and gardening.

Martin Hodby- Deputy Headteacher

Martin was born in Stoke-on-Trent and went to a comprehensive school in the Potteries. He attended Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College before attaining a Degree in American History from Keele University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Following University, he moved to Japan and worked with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations. Returning to the UK in 2004, he spent the early part of his teaching career in Stafford and Rugeley, whilst leading projects across Europe for the British Council. Prior to joining Sandbach School as Deputy Headteacher, Martin was Assistant Headteacher at Walton High School in Stafford. He has a passion for sport, music and travel.

Jon Cosgrove – Deputy Headteacher

Jon was born, raised and educated in East Manchester. After attending the local comprehensive he went on study at the University of Liverpool, gaining a Degree in Applied Environmental Biology before completing a Ph.D. in the Dept. of Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. Entering Teaching in 1997, Jon has worked in four quite diverse schools before joining Sandbach. Jon lives in Stockport and is married with two sons.

David Osborne – Finance Director

David grew up and attended school in Cheshire before gaining a first class honours degree in Management Science from Loughborough University. After leaving university David worked for a number of years in Corporate Reconstruction and Turnaround. During this time he qualified as a chartered certified accountant.

In 2014 David joined a UK corporate and commercial bank where he was promoted to the position of Relationship Director. Whilst working at the bank David joined the governing body of a local Multi Academy Trust. In 2016, David joined Sandbach School as its new Director of Finance and Resources. David is also company secretary for the school and Love Music Trust.

David lives in Rode Heath with his wife (who teaches at a nearby primary school) and daughter. He continues to be a member of a local Multi Academy Trust and in his spare time enjoys exploring the UK with his caravan.

Sue Bielby – Assistant Headteacher

Sue grew up in Cheshire before becoming the first in her family to attend university, studying for a degree in Geography at Manchester University. In the early part of her career she taught at the Mitchell High School, Stoke, and at Alsager School before joining Sandbach School as Curriculum Leader for Geography. Her current responsibilities include the development of Teaching and Learning, Professional Development, Performance Management, Early Career Teachers and Initial Teacher Training.

Sue enjoys travelling to far flung places, especially in South East Asia and Central America, and is an experienced scuba diver.

Mark Sanders – Assistant Headteacher

Mark spent the early part of his life in Derbyshire before moving across to Staffordshire. He attended Bangor University in his mid-twenties completing both his undergraduate and post-graduate studies. He began his career at Sandbach School in September 2010 as a Physical Education Teacher and has also held the position of Learning Intervention Manager working across Key Stage Three and Four.

He is now responsible for the school’s Qualification Phase.

Lisa Robinson- Assistant Headteacher

Lisa was born and raised in St.Helens. She attended her local comprehensive school and college before going on to study Mathematics at the University of Liverpool. Lisa completed her PGCE at The University of Chester and worked at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School as a Teacher of Maths for five years before starting at Sandbach School as the Assistant Curriculum Leader of Maths in 2009. She has since spent many years as the Curriculum Leader of Maths and has the responsibility of creating the whole school Timetable.
Lisa loves to travel and is often creating her own mini adventures with her husband, 3 children and dog in her campervan.

Paul Bowyer- Assistant Headteacher

Paul was born and raised in Telford, Shropshire. He attended his local comprehensive school and stayed there to study A-Levels in the Sixth Form, before studying a BA Joint Honors in Sport Science and Design and Technology at MMU, Alsager Campus. Having completed a PGCE at MMU, he began his teaching career, working at three diverse schools in Shropshire and Cheshire, joining Sandbach School as Curriculum Leader of Design and Technology in 2010. He has completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management and in his spare time enjoys travelling, sports and keeping fit.

Nell Johnson- Assistant Headteacher

Nell was born in Wigan and spent her early life in Bolton before moving to Cheshire, where she attended the local comprehensive school. Nell completed her BA Hons in Art and English Literature at the University of Chester. After completing her PGCE and qualifying as an Art teacher, Nell joined Sandbach School. Nell has held a range of responsibilities, including Literacy Coordinator, Teaching and Learning Coach and Year 10 and 11 Learning Intervention Manager. Nell has held the post of Director of Sixth Form since 2019. Nell lives in Cheshire with her husband and two daughters. As a family they enjoy camping and all things outdoors.