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:

Services for schools consultant

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 for a further two years in November 2015. 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 plays an active role within OSCA. In her spare time, Nicki plays the piano and walks her dogs.

Pecuniary Interests:

Member of Staff

Trustee of PTFA (OSCA)

Kate was co-opted as a Governor in January 2019 and is now Chair of the Health and Safety Committee. Professionally, Kate works as Operations Director for Stafford based IT Consultancy, risual limited. In this role, Kate sits on the Board of Directors overseeing the operations of the organisation, with specific responsibilities that include Human Resources and Finance. Kate has lived in Stafford since a young age, has two daughters who both attended Oakridge and now attend Walton High School. In her spare time, Kate enjoys time with her family, exploring new places and has a keen interest in local art and handmade crafts.

Pecuniary Interests:

None

Mr Fisher became Headteacher at Oakridge Primary School in April 2002. He is Executive Lead for the Alliance of Leading Learning, delivering NPQH training to aspiring headteachers. He also leads on the NPQ. 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

Miss Homer has taught at Oakridge since 2009 and joined the governing body in June 2013. Miss Homer is the Deputy Headteacher and sits on the Curriculum committee and the Leadership and Management committee. During the past 12 months, she has led the implementation of the Oakridge curriculum as well as developing the schools new assessment and tracking system. Miss Homer is a trained facilitator for the Alliance of Leading learning and leads courses on the NPQ program. She also leads on the schools direct program for Staffordshire University.

Pecuniary Interests:

Member of Staff

Staffordshire University - Academic Mentor

Alliance of Leading Learning - Facilitator

Dom was originally elected as a Parent Governor in November 2015 and again in 2019. Professionally he is a Chartered HR Business Partner for Capgemini, a global IT Organisation, with primary focus on strategy and people related priorities. Dom has been in HR for almost 20 years which is a very different career path to his original plans, having initially studied Hotel Management at University! Dom has two daughters who have both attended Oakridge and are the focus of most activities including skiing lessons every Saturday in Telford. 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:

Trustee of PTFA (OSCA)

Cathy was elected as a Parent Governor in October 2020. Cathy currently has two sons at Oakridge and a daughter who graduated from Oakridge in the summer of 2022.  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 as a Careers Adviser and worked in schools supporting young people. Rachel has a HND in Business and Finance, Postgraduate Diploma in Management and BA Hons Degree in Community Justice. She has 6 children; her youngest 2 children attend Oakridge.  Rachel has been involved with the school for many years as a volunteer, parent helper and more recently OSCA.

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
• 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