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.  

Jane Hawksworth

I was co-opted onto the Governing Body in April 2016, to sit on the Management Committee as the Development Governor, I then took on the role of Vice Chair in 2019 and was appointed Chair in 2020. In September 2024 I have decided to step back from Chair to be a Governor.   I have had three children go through Burford, with my youngest still there, in Year 5.  I joined the Burford Governing Body as I wanted to be able to contribute as much as I can. My professional background before retiring to have my family was in HR and I felt I could use these skills to support the school.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Governing Body, have made some good friends and am proud and grateful to be part of such an excellent team at Burford.  

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. 

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. 

Rachel Rayner

I joined the Governing Body in March 2021. I have always been very passionate about Burford School and the fantastic education that they provide for our children. I have always spent as much time as I can in school helping and understanding the curriculum and how the children learn. I have a background in Engineering and I subsequently moved into Information Technology. I currently work for a large software company and I have a huge passion for things STEM. I am absolutely delighted to the Chair of the Curriculum Committee, and focus on the area of Science

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.

Bruce Watt

I was appointed a Parent Governor in 2021. Me and my family have lived in Marlow Bottom since 2014 and Burford School was the main reason why we moved to the area. I have a daughter in Year 6. I have worked in banking for 37 years and currently work I High Wycombe. Having previously been a community governor at a primary school in Hillingdon, I appreciate the challenges of running a primary school. I was keen to join the Governing Body to help keep Burford School the great school it currently is.  I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the Management Committee.

Reverend Graham Watts

I moved to Marlow Bottom in 2014 when my wife and I were appointed Vicars (we job share) of St Mary’s Church in Marlow Bottom. I became a Co-opted Governor at Burford School in February 2015. All three of our children have been through Burford School and we were very thankful for all they received here. The Church in Marlow Bottom is committed to serving the Village in as many ways as we can and so being a Governor at Burford School is a great way for me to do that. The kids are great but my favourite part of being a Governor is supporting the Staff and seeing them develop professionally and grow in their skills.

Matt Weavers

Hello, my name is Matt and I have a son in Year 4.  Two 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.