Dear all,
Welcome to our governors' page.
The Local Governing Body (LGB) at Burford Primary School comprises parent governors, staff governors and community governors who bring a breadth of individual skills, strengths and experience.
We work strategically as part of the Leadership Team of the school, alongside Executive Head Rachel Veeder and Head of School Holly Docherty,
to maintain an oversight of Burford Primary School at local level. As an LGB
we assume certain collective responsibilities for the school within the framework of, and supported by, Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST). Together, we have the shared purpose of ensuring that Burford Primary School is the best that it can be for all of our pupils.
This is a happy, kind and vibrant school, where staff and pupils feel cared for and know that they are safe - a school at the heart of our community and one that parents actively choose for their children. Staff, pupil and parent surveys reflect this, as does our recent Ofsted (February 2024).
We have high expectations of, and for, our pupils and want them to thrive and succeed at Burford Primary, as well as in their lives. There is some super teaching and learning going on; we are keen to build on this. The Local Governing Body was delighted by
Ofsted’s recognition of how ‘effective’ the Leadership Team has been at focusing sharply on school improvement priorities.
We are proud of Burford Primary School: proud of our enthusiastic, cheerful and effective Executive Head and Head of School; proud of our wonderful staff; proud of the best primary school children ever; and proud of all that we achieve – together. Whilst we are proud, we are also reflective and always striving to do even better: we work continuously to support further improvements at Burford Primary, and we are ambitious for every child at our school.
Our objective is simple: we are committed to ensuring the school is providing the ‘Burford best’ possible experiences and outcomes it can for all its pupils.
It is a privilege to work with a team of fantastic people - at Burford Primary and at ODST - to help our school move forward, and to be part of our pupils’ school journey.
Feedback from parents about school and how you would like us to develop is always appreciated: please email me
chair@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk. Governors are available at the school gates regularly, and at school events - do come and talk to us - we would welcome the opportunity to meet you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for your support.
Hannah Lake
Chair of Burford LGB
Mrs Hannah Lake - Chair
Hannah has taught in state secondary schools in Oxfordshire and London, working in the classroom as an English subject specialist, and also in leadership. Hannah lives in Burford with her family; her children all attend, or have attended, Burford Primary. As a parent, educator and member of the community, she is invested in making Burford Primary the best it can be.
Hannah is committed to ensuring high quality, positive learning experiences are accessible to all, so that every child at Burford Primary is able to maximise their potential, and feel proud of both their own achievements and their school.
hlake@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs Holly Docherty - Staff governor
Holly is the Early Years Lead, Early Reading and Phonics Lead, SENCo and Staff Governor at Burford Primary School. Holly has been teaching for twenty years, five years of those at Burford Primary. Last year, Holly completed a Masters Degree in Vulnerable Learners and Inclusion which is something she is incredibly passionate about. Holly is a member of the Quality of Education Committee with a focus on SEN and Reading.
hdochery@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs Sally Clarke - School Business Manager- Resources Committee
Sally started working for Burford Primary School in the school office in 2004. She studied an 18 month course in School Business Management with the National College of School Leadership and after gaining her qualification became our School Business Manager in 2009.
office.2251@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs Alison Marshall - Community Governor
Alison moved to the Cotswolds three years ago after living in Buckinghamshire where she worked as a primary school teacher. While living there, Alison was a school governor for twelve years at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe and eight years at the school where she worked. After moving here, Alison felt she’d like to use her experience in education as a governor at Burford Primary School. Alison has responsibility for SEN and Inclusion and is part of the Quality of Education committee, with a focus on Reading.
amarshall@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Mrs Liz Jackson - Community Governor
Wanting to give something back to the local community, Liz joined the governing body in 2022. Liz has been involved in education for over 30 years, initially as a teacher of modern languages and later delivering PHSE workshops and training for teachers. She now runs her own counselling and training practice and is a volunteer youth worker in Burford church. Liz is very much looking forward to getting to know the school better by regular visits, attending special events and helping out in the classroom. Liz is particularly interested in whole school well-being and supporting the pupils to thrive. Liz is part of the Quality of Education committee, with a focus on Writing.
ljackson@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Mr Erling Lindoe - Community Governor
Erling runs a successful local estate agency business here in Burford. He is passionate about supporting the local community, of which a strong primary school is such an intrinsic part, hence his decision to join the board of governors in 2022. Erling is part of the Quality of Education committee, with a focus on History and Geography. He is also part of the Admissions Panel, Headteacher Appraisal and has responsibility over Pupil Premium.
elindoe@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Dr Joanna White - Community Governor
Jo has been a governor at Burford Primary School since January 2022; serving as Vice-Chair Sept 2022 - Dec 2022, Chair Dec 2022 - May 2023, Co-Chair May 2023 - Dec 2024. She is also the Chair of the Resources Committee and is responsible for Health and Safety, Policies, Website, Service Pupil Premium and Appraisal.
Jo retired from the RAF in Sept 2024 after 23 years of service, and works as a Consultant Trauma and Emergency Anaesthetist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where she is now the Clinical Director of the Major Trauma Centre. She lives in Burford with her husband and two young sons, who attend Burford Primary School.
Chair Resources Committee, Burford Primary School
LGB Governor responsible for Health and Safety, Policies, Website, Service Pupil Premium
jwhite@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk
Burford Declarations of Interest Summary 2023-24
Burford LGB Attendance 2022-23
Burford LGB Attendance 2021-22