--- title: "The Oaks Academy" url: "http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/the-oaks-academy" school: "The Learning Partnership" --- # The Oaks Academy - School Governors - Local Governing Board Information ### The Oaks Academy School Governors ![Mary Massey](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/imagecache/150x150c/menu/The-Oaks-Academy-Logo-2.jpg) #### Mary Massey ##### Chair of Governors Mary is a retired science teacher and senior leader with 36 years in education. She served as an HMI and education consultant, specializing in school improvement, safeguarding, and governance. Since retiring, Mary has chaired several Interim Executive Boards, helping schools move out of special measures. She enjoys Nordic walking, piano, singing, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren. Mary is passionate about using her experience to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. ![Cody Brookes](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/imagecache/150x200c/people/smartcrop_-_Cody.jpeg) #### Cody Brookes Cody is a trainee solicitor at Irwin Mitchell LLP, specializing in commercial real estate, planning, and environmental law. He became a governor to give back to his community and support educational opportunities for young people. Cody enjoys running, karate, and travel. A Crewe native and former student of Sir William Stanier, he values the openness of the school community and the insights gained through governance. ![Phil Howell](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/imagecache/150x150c/menu/The-Oaks-Academy-Logo-2.png) #### Phil Howell Phil is the Pastor of a local church in Crewe and has led a growing congregation for 15 years. Previously a high school teacher, Phil became a governor to support The Oaks Academy during a time of need. His long-standing connection with the school includes hosting church services in the school hall and leading weekly drop-ins. Phil enjoys football, cycling, gardening, and travel. He finds inspiration in the school’s transformation and is proud to contribute to its continued success. ![Darren Locke](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/imagecache/150x150c/menu/The_Oaks_Academy_Logo_-_SIMS(1).jpg) #### Darren Locke Darren is a former Headteacher with over 30 years in education, including 16 years leading Vine Tree Primary. He has extensive experience in school improvement, leadership, safeguarding, and strategic planning, working closely with governors on finance and governance. Darren now works in recruitment and educational development, helping schools secure high-quality staff. Passionate about strong governance and high standards, he aims to use his leadership expertise to support school communities and improve outcomes for children. He values collaboration and enjoys contributing to strategic decisions that shape a school’s direction. Darren has worked in Crewe for over 20 years and enjoys sport, reading, and walking. ![Neil Travis](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/imagecache/150x150c/menu/The_Oaks_Academy_Logo_-_SIMS.png) #### Neil Travis Recently retired, Neil was Regional Operations Director for Amazon UK & Ireland, overseeing multiple highly automated fulfilment centres across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, and Ireland. With expertise in operations, strategic planning, and people development, Neil brings a strong business perspective to education governance. As a governor at The Oaks Academy, he is passionate about shaping education to prepare young people for the future and aims to share his industry knowledge to help the school develop skills aligned with emerging technologies. Outside work, he enjoys skiing, scuba diving, cycling, and sailing. LGB Members Governors are appointed by the TLP Governance Committee, under the deferred responsibility from the Board of Trustees. Mary Massey (Chair) (SEND Link Governor) - Appointed Governor (01/09/2021 - 31/08/2029) Cody Brookes (Careers Link Governor) - Appointed Governor (17/01/2024 - 31/08/2028) Phil Howell - Appointed Governor (01/09/2021 - 31/08/2029) Darren Locke - Appointed Governor (01/07/2026 - 31/08/2030) (Governor in approval process) Neil Travis - Appointed Governor (13/05/2026 - 31/08/2030) Historic Governors (left within last 12 months) Andrew Middleton - Appointed Governor (01/09/2021 - 13/08/2026) Helen Pate - Parent Governor (23/06/2022 - 31/08/2026) John Weir - Appointed Governor (11/10/2024 - 06/10/2025) LGB Meeting Minutes ### TOA LGB Meeting Minutes May 2026 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 390 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/2a._TOA_LGB_Minutes_13.05.26_-_Chair_Approved.pdf) January 2026 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 423 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/TOA_LGB_Minutes_21.01.26_-_Chair_Approved_(1).pdf) October 2025 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 468 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/LGB_Minutes_Oct_2025_Approved.pdf) May 2025 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 429 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/LGB_Minutes_01.05.25.pdf) December 2024 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 355 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/LGB_Minutes_19.12.24.pdf) September 2024 TOA LGB Meeting Minutes 343 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/LGB_Minutes_19.09.24.pdf) Declarations of Interest ### TOA Declarations of Interest The Oaks Academy Declarations of Interest 2025/2026 113 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/files/documents/Register-of-interests-The_Oaks_Academy(1).pdf) 2026/2027 LGB Meeting Dates All meetings are held at 4:30pm at TOA Wednesday 14th October 2026 Wednesday 20th January 2027 Wednesday 21st April 2027 Wednesday 23rd June 2027 2025/2026 LGB Meeting Attendance | **Governor** | **No. of Meetings** | **No. Attended** | |---|---|---| | Mary Massey | 4 | 3 | | Andrew Middleton | 4 | 3 | | Cody Brookes | 4 | 2 | | Phil Howell | 4 | 3 | | Neil Travis | 1 | 1 | | Helen Pate | 4 | 0 | | John Weir | 1 | 0 | 2024/2025 LGB Meeting Attendance | **Governor** | **No. of Meetings** | **No. Attended** | |---|---|---| | Mary Massey | 3 | 3 | | Phil Howell | 3 | 3 | | Andrew Middleton | 3 | 3 | | Helen Pate | 3 | 2 | | Lisa Hodgkison | 3 | 0 | | Simon Lockett | 3 | 0 | | Cody Brookes | 2 | 2 | | John Weir | 2 | 0 | ### Governance - [Our Governance Approach](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance) - [Members](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/members) - [Trustees](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/trustees) - [Financial Information](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/financial-information) - [Policies & Reports](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/policies) - [Trust Governance Information](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/trust-governance) - [Local Governing Boards Information](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information) - [Black Firs Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/black-firs-primary-school) - [Castle Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/castle-primary-school) - [Congleton High School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/congleton-high-school) - [Crewe Engineering & Design UTC](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/crewe-engineering-design-utc) - [Daven Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/daven-primary-school) - [Dove Bank Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/dove-bank-primary-school) - [Egerton Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/egerton-primary-school) - [Knutsford Academy](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/knutsford-academy) - [Leighton Academy](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/leighton-academy) - [Shavington Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/shavington-primary-school) - [Sir William Stanier School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/sir-william-stanier) - [The Oaks Academy](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/the-oaks-academy) - [Wheelock Primary School](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/wheelock-primary-school) - [Wistaston Church Lane Academy](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/local-governing-boards-information/wistaston-church-lane-academy) - [Staff Policies](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/governance/staff-policies) [![](https://files.schudio.com/the-learning-alliance/images/logo/TheLearningPartnership_WHT_TransparentBG_(1).png)](https://tlptrust.com/) **The Learning Partnership** c/o Crewe UTC West Street Crewe CW1 2PZ ### Useful Websites: - [Department For Education](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education) - [National Governance Association](https://www.nga.org.uk/Home.aspx) - [Ofsted](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted) © Copyright 2021–2026 The Learning Partnership School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](http://thelearningalliance.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)