Governors

Sue works in Human Resources Management and has been an Oakridge Governor since 2009.  She is currently Chair having been Co-Chair and Vice Chair as well as previously chairing the Leadership and Management Committee, which oversees the budgetary, leadership and staffing/HR aspects of school governance. Sue is also a member of the Curriculum, Health & Safety and the Head Teacher's Performance Management Committees.  Sue has three children who 'graduated' from Oakridge in 2010 and 2012 and 2016.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Sarah joined our Governing Body in January 2018. After a lengthy (and happy) career in Primary Education she moved to Edge Hill University where she worked as a Senior Lecturer in Education & Early Years and led the Primary Foundation Subjects Team before finally “coming home” to Staffordshire University where she is now in charge of postgraduate primary teacher training (PGCE) at Lichfield and Stoke campuses as well as lecturing on all aspects of primary education.

She gained degrees in both History of Art & Design and Business Studies before studying Education in a Museum setting at the V&A Museum and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Sarah also worked in stage and costume design in the USA and as a Children’s Books Buyer for WH Smith & John Menzies before training as a teacher in 1996. Sarah currently campaigns to raise the profile of the Arts in Primary Education and is involved in the Stoke on Trent City of Culture 2021 bid.

As a successful classroom teacher for many years Sarah has robust experience of working across the entire primary age range in mixed and single age year groups, teaching all subjects and in a variety of different schools and areas. She has had specific subject responsibility for most curriculum areas but was particularly responsible for developing curriculum provision for Literacy and the Arts (art, music, dance and drama).

Sarah has a Masters Degree in Education and has completed a professional doctorate (EdD) with Chester University. Her research is primarily focused around developing more creative and inclusive methods of research (such as the award winning Plastic Ceiling Project www.theplasticceilingproject.co.uk ) which has been chosen to feature in an exhibition of artist-researchers in the Tate Liverpool in March, 2018. Sarah has also published and presented at international conferences on the challenges of juggling work and motherhood and has edited and co-written a book; “Teaching the Primary Foundation Subjects” with Open University Press.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Nicki was a parent Governor for 4 years. During this time she has taken on the responsibility for E-Safety, DDA and SEN within the School and was co opted onto the Governing body when she was no longer eligible to be a parent Governor. Nicki graduated from university with a law degree and qualified and worked as a solicitor before having her children. In addition to being a Governor, she played an ative role with the PTA.  In her spare time Nicki plays the piano and walks her dogs.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Kate was co-opted as Governor in January 2019 and is now the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee.  Professionally, Kate works as Director of Corporate Resources for a Stafford based IT consultancy and services business, risual limited.  In this role, Kate sits on the Executive Board overseeing the operations of the organisation, with specific responsibilities that include human resources, finance, compliance and facilities management.  Additionally, Kate supports the work of Stoke and Staffordshire LEP and the Careers and Enterprise Company, volunteering as an Enterprise Advisor by spending time in local secondary schools helping them develop their careers provision.  Kate is also a Trustee and member of the Board for charity, risual Foundation. 

Kate has lived in Stafford since a young age, has two daughters, both former pupils of Oakridge. 

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Mr Fisher became Headteacher at Oakridge Primary School in April 2002.  He is the Executive Lead for the Alliance of Leading Learning, delivering NPQH training to aspiring headteachers. He also leads on The NPQML.  Prior to his appointment Mr Fisher was advisory Headteacher at Hempstalls Primary School in Newcastle. He has also taught at schools in Cannock as well as being mathematics adviser for Staffordshire.

Pecuniary Interests:

Trustee of PTFA (OSCA)

Alliance of Leading Learning - Facilitator

Richard joined the Governing board in July 2023.  Richard has been a solicitor for 15 years and is currently General counsel, heading the Legal department for a group of 5 companies. As part of his role, he is a member of the Senior Management /Team, Risk and Compliance Committee and Incident Management Team.  He is also involved in group wide tendering and onboarding of suppliers and partners.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Dom was elected as a Parent Governor in November 2015 and again in 2019. In 2023 Dom became a co opted Governor.  Professionally Dom works in HR for Capgemini, a Global IT organisation, with his current remit covering HR Systems and Analytics. Dom is a Fellow of the CIPD having worked in HR for over 20 years. This is a very different career path to his original plans, having initially done Hotel Management at University!  Dom’s two daughters both attended Oakridge with his eldest leaving Oakridge in July 2021 and his youngest now in 2023. In his spare time, Dom enjoys reading fiction, history and most sports. Dom is also Chair of the Leadership and Management Committee as well as being a part of the Headteacher Performance Management Committee.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Cathy was elected as a Parent Governor in October 2020 and following her appointment as a TA in July 2023 Cathy became the staff Governor.  Cathy currently has three children, a daughter who is a former Oakridge pupil as well as two sons at Oakridge.  After finishing law school, she worked in corporate finance, banking and property finance

Pecuniary Interests:

Treasurer of PTFA (OSCA)

Rachel joined the governing body as a parent governor in October 2021.  In her professional life she has 15 years’ experience working in education for the Connexions Service (now Entrust) as a Careers Adviser.  I worked in schools supporting young people, making key decisions about their future.  In 2014, I took a career break after the birth of my youngest child Emily.  My academic background is a HND in Business and Finance, Postgraduate Diploma in Management and BA Hons Degree in Community Justice.  I am also a qualified adult and young persons Careers Adviser.  I have 6 children; my youngest 3 children attend Oakridge.  I have been involved with the school for nearly 7 years as a volunteer, parent helper and more recently OSCA.  I feel I can provide a balanced approach from both an educational and parent prospective.  I have a good understanding of the curriculum, having seen my own children on their educational journey and the importance of transitional support for Year 6.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

John joined Staffordshire Police in March 2018 as Chief Finance Officer (and Section 151 Officer), and since September 2022 is the Assistant Chief Officer for Resources, which covers People and Organisational Development, Finance and Commercial Services, IT & Technology, Estates, Transport and Project Management Office

John began his career in Finance at Staffordshire County Council, having graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in History, progressing from trainee accountant to Senior Finance Business Partner, before moving to work for Cornwall Council for a number of years. Before joining Staffordshire Police John briefly worked in the NHS. John is a member of CIPFA Council and CIPFA’s Public Financial Management Board, a member of the NPCC finance coordination committee.

During his time at Staffordshire John has led the transformation of the Staffordshire Police forces finance function and overall financial position, with Staffordshire Police now being one of the most financially resilient forces in the United Kingdom as well as being awarded a national public finance award in 2020. .

Pecuniary Interests:

Member of CIPFA - Public Finance Management Board

James was elected as a parent Governor in October 2023. He is a company director and experienced business professional who has expertise in finance and is able to offer a strategic view of financial performance. James has a keen interest in developing technology and understands the profound impact that it will have on all our children in the future.

Pecuniary Interests:

None