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.

Mark Sanders – Deputy 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. Mark has been Assistant Headteacher and is now starting his new role as Deputy Headteacher in September 2026.

Kathryn Gaulton – Director of Business & Resources

After gaining a degree in Business & Legal Studies, Kathryn spent the early part of her career in Financial Services in Reading, Berkshire, also qualifying as a Project Manager during this time. After moving back to Cheshire, Kathryn has spent the latter part of her career in the NHS firstly in project management, strategy and planning, and subsequently in operational and strategic leadership roles in both primary and secondary care. Kathryn lives in Cheshire with her husband and two children and enjoys dance and musical theatre in her spare time.

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.

Alex Cooke- Assistant Headteacher

Alex was born, raised and educated in Cheshire. After attending Malbank Sixth Form he went on to attain a degree in English from the University of Liverpool before completing a PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. Following in his parents’ footsteps of teaching, he began his career at Alsager School, moving to Shavington Academy before joining Sandbach School as Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader of English. Alex lives in Cheshire with his wife, who is also an English teacher, and two children. He enjoys walking the dog, cooking and music.