The Interim Executive Board (IEB) was formally dissolved and replaced by the new Management Committee of Oakfield Lodge School (OLS) on the 27th April 2018; it is the equivalent of the governing body of a maintained school. Cheshire East Council have decided to replace the IEB with a Management Committee to lead OLS whilst they transition to Academy Status to provide continuity of leadership to the school during this transitional phase.
- Structure of the Oakfield Lodge Management Committee
The membership of the Management Committee of Oakfield Lodge consists of:
John Edmonstone | Community Governor | Chair | 07/12/19 | 22/4/22 |
Neil Cochrane | Staff Governor | 13/05/22 | 22/4/24 | |
Gemma Bailey | Head Teacher | 23/4/18 | N/A | |
Claire Howarth | Community Governor | 25/11/21 | 24/11/25 | |
Mike Taylor | Community Governor | 16/09/20 | 15/09/24 | |
Su Turner | Community Governor | 14/10/20 | 13/10/24 |
The Management Committee meets six times per year, once per half term. There are no sub-committees of the Management Committee.
Management Committee remit
The School is a Local Authority Pupil Referral Unit and is governed by an LA management committee under The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Management Committees etc.) (England) Regulations 2007.
The Management Committee fulfils the same role as a governing board. It has a strategic role setting out and monitoring the aims and objectives of the unit to ensure children are safe, have their needs met and receive a good standard of education.
The Management Committee of Oakfield Lodge School is chaired by Mr John Edmonstone.
Mr J Edmonstone can be contacted by email at Chair@oakfieldlodge.cheshire.sch.uk

I have worked for over 35 years in international business, mostly in sales management roles within multi-million dollar corporate organisations. My key business disciplines include: defining business case, recruiting and developing international teams, influencing resources within matrix structures, delivering on defined targets.
Having retired at the end of 2018, after years of travelling around, I’m very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to the local community. I have lived in Sandbach off-and-on since coming to England from my native Scotland at the age of 10. I am an active member of Sandbach Rugby Club, Crewe Golf Club and Sandbach Cycling Group. “

Pen portrait awaited

I have been a science teacher for 10 years. I have lead whole school improvement projects at Middlewich High School where I currently work. I have completed Postgraduate research at the University of Oxford and Glasgow University for my PhD in education. I have a big interest in SEND and equity in education.
In my spare time I train in karate and enjoy spending time in Cheshire countryside with my dog.

Having gained a degree in Japanese, French and Business Studies; I qualified as a teacher in 2001. I spent thirteen years teaching in mainstream education, seven of them as a senior leader for behaviour, inclusion and SEND. Most recently I spent four years working in two local authorities, managing a variety of teams who support vulnerable learners. I have also been a school governor in two local primary schools. As a mum of three I lead a very busy life. I enjoy long walks with my dog, especially in the lake district. I’m an avid theatre goer and enjoy reading when I have the time.
27th April
8th June
15th July
All meetings take place at the school at start at 3.30pm