Meet The Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ section

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

We are always interested to hear from parents who may want to consider becoming a Governor and should you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Governing Body.

Hannah Gallimore

I became a co-opted governor in Sep 2024, shortly after we moved to the area. I chose to apply to support Burford school as a Governor because of the school’s ethos – the Burford Body – happiness, wellbeing, and high-achievement being at the heart of the school.

With a career in public service spanning Healthcare and Defence, and having previously been a Safeguarding Governor, my experiences in supporting organisational strategy , policy and performance management will be invaluable to my contribution as the Safeguarding Governor.

With 3 children myself, I know the importance of a strong governing body and it is a privilege to play a part in ensuring the continued success of the school.  

Sally Hillyer

I joined the governing board in September 2019, starting off as a parent governor, then becoming a co-opted governor in 2023. I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of Governors in September 2024. I will also remain the link governor for safeguarding. My two sons have benefited from Burford's wonderful enriched curriculum and the school's dedication to fostering children's wellbeing. I am proud to be part of a great team that works hard to support the fantastic work the school does. My professional background is in educational publishing, developing teaching, learning and assessment resources for primary schools, with a specialism in maths. This has given me a good insight into the curriculum side of education, and I've enjoyed learning about all the other many and varied things involved in running a school. 

Clare Holdway

Sonia Johal

I was delighted to join the governing body in 2023 as a parent governor. I have already had two children go through Burford school from Reception to Year 6 and I have now returned with my youngest as she starts her journey through school. My professional background is in management and business management and I have recently set up a brand-new business. I am hoping to use my professional skills, as well as those gained through parenting and general life in my role as governor. I look forward to helping to shape the school that has been such a big part of my family's life so far and is sure to be for some years to come.   

Sam Kidd

I was elected as a Parent Governor in November 2024. I currently have 2 children at Burford in reception and Year 3.

I have worked in secondary education for 15 years following my teacher training at Manchester University. After a brief period at a school in Bath I moved to my current school where I am currently a Deputy Headteacher. I joined the governing body to support the school as it continues to thrive, and creates an environment in which all students can excel, both academically and socially. 

Tracey Marshall

I have the privilege of being Burford School’s Head Teacher. With the staff and governors, I am confident that together we will help your children grow into well rounded individuals, ready for the next stage in their education when the time comes for them to leave Burford School. When I am not at school, I am the proud mum of three children and enjoy relaxing at home with a good novel. I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders of Burford School, especially the children

Judy Puddephatt

I was appointed as Deputy Head of Burford in September 2024, after holding Assistant Headteacher and Phase Leader roles for the 7 years that I have been here.  I could not wish to work at a more welcoming, community-minded school.  I have been a class teacher in Year 6 and really enjoy working with the Burford children, who are as inspiring as they are creative, curious and brilliant.  Previously I taught in North Barnes in London and was a phase leader in both KS1 and KS2.  My new role as deputy headteacher is exciting and I look forward to continuing to work with our wonderful families, staff and SLT and working more closely with our Governing Body.  Outside of school, I am a mum to two children, both at secondary school, and an unfriendly cat, am originally from Scotland but now live in Marlow and am a season ticket holder at the mighty Brentford FC. 

Craig Robertson 

I have recently been elected as a Parent Governor and look forward to working as part of the Governing body at Burford. I grew up in Nottinghamshire and graduated from Exeter University in 1997, with a bachelor of arts in education. I have always worked in education and moved to this area in 1998, teaching for six years at Chalfont community College in Gerrards Cross.  In 2004, I became the head of PE and sport at Sir William Borlase’s grammar school in Marlow.  Since 2014 I have been the head of key stage three -  working with year sevens and eights on pastoral and academic support, and year sixes as they go through transition from primary to secondary. 

I’m a keen sportsman and play hockey at Marlow, and golf/football recreationally. I have two children, one of which started at Burford in 2023.

Becs Steele

I joined the governing body in 2024. We moved to the valley in 2019 and I have three children, two are currently attending Burford School and our youngest has just joined us this year. I am very keen to support the school and the local community and to be part of helping to create a positive legacy for our children. My professional background before retiring to raise my children was as a Finance Director in large corporations so I hope to be able to use those skills to support Burford. 

Kevin Steele

I was delighted to be Co-opted to the Governing Body in 2017. For this academic year I have been elected as Vice Chair of Governors. I have two children, both attended Burford School. I recognise what a fantastic school we already have, but there are always opportunities for improvement! I am excited to utilise my industry and management experience to the benefit of the school to help make it more successful with safe, happy and thriving children.

Alison Tolmie

Tom Venables

Matt Weavers

Hello, my name is Matt and I have a son in Year 5.  Three years ago, my wife sadly passed away, yet my son continues to thrive at Burford and I have nothing but praise for the pastoral care provided by the school.  The help and support has been absolutely first class and, fully validated our choice of Burford as a community school underpinned by a range of values covering academic, social and emotional success (e.g. The Burford Body).

I already have excellent relationships with members of the School Leadership Team and would now love to take the opportunity to “give something back” and contribute to the ongoing success of the school, safeguarding that all children are given the same opportunities and support as my own son.

In terms of my skills and experience, I am a Chartered Management Accountant with 20+ years’ of blue-chip finance expertise ranging from the leadership of multinational teams to helping others understand simple numbers on a spreadsheet. More latterly I am the founder and MD of my own successful small business, thus providing me with a range of transferable skills and crucially the flexibility to dedicate time and effort to the parent governor role.

And although willing to ask challenging questions, as a team player I also have natural empathy, emotional intelligence and the ability to listen; capabilities I look forward to hopefully utilising to help the school.