Please see below the Biographies of our Governing body

Burrowmoor LGB – September 2024

Ruth Bailey – Head Teacher

I have been teaching for 22 years and I'm proud to be the Headteacher of Burrowmoor Primary Academy.  Before teaching I was a travel rep and then worked a Software Development company.  I began teaching at William Law School in Peterborough.  I taught in Key Stage two and spent a number of years in Year 6.  I moved to Murrow as Head of school and then later to be head at Murrow and Gorefield Primary Academies as part of the Diamond Learning Partnership trust.  I came to Burrowmoor in September 2023 as Headteacher.  I am so pleased to be able to work at this wonderful school.

I come from Zimbabwe where I was born and brought up.  My father was a police man and I have one sister. I came to England for University and have stayed.  I have one daughter and obviously the dog of my dreams – Pippin Diva Bailey.  I love walking, visiting Scotland, swimming and painting when I get the time.

Email contact details -head@burrowmoor.cambs.sch.uk 

 

Andrew Smith – Chair and Safeguarding lead

I have been involved with Burrowmoor School in various ways since coming to March as the Church of England Rector in 2015. Over the years both as a Vicar and beforehand I have been a Governor of Schools, mainly primary, and have been involved in many situations including mergers, special measures and taking to Outstanding, alongside the ups and downs of school life and the different regimes that we have operated under. Throughout my priority is to remember we are here for children; all staff, buildings, resources and policies are there in order to help the children learn, socialise, grow and develop well. Governors help the school make good decisions, use their human and other resources well, promote parental relationships and involvements, and work to give the children the best we can. I live in March, am Rector of the four churches here, and work with colleagues to serve the people of the Town in many ways, including supporting the schools in different ways so that all people may thrive and live together as a supportive community.  

Email contact details - asmith@burrowmoor.cambs.sch.uk

Michael Robinson – Community

I was in education for forty years. I started my career in the North East of England and then went to Germany for seven years to teach forces children.

I returned to England to take up a deputy headship at King Edward Junior school in Chatteris. In 1985 I was appointed Head of West Walton Primary School in Norfolk where I remained for twenty-one years developing the school and the Children’s Centre. During that time the school won a National award for working with parents.

My hobbies are quizzing and playing bridge and mahjong. I have a grandson at Burrowmoor school and offered my services to the governing body to support the headteacher appointed at the beginning of the school year.

 

Greg Hanrahan – Parent Member

I am pleased to join the LGB following the school’s transition into the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust.  I am a father of 5 boys and our youngest is in year 5.  I am keen to support the continued development of the school for the benefit of all pupils.

In my working life I am Head of Business Development for a charity which supports some of the most disadvantaged, those who are at risk of homelessness, children and young people in the care system or who have been in touch with the criminal justice system.  We provide housing, support and education for them across England.  Prior to this I have worked 20 years in education management roles in further education colleges and other settings.

Originally from Bedford, I have lived in March for the last 15 years.  In my spare time, other than ferrying the kids around, I enjoy watching and playing rugby, although my age limits me to walking rugby only these days.

Marcus Philips – Parent Member

I moved to March as a child in 1969 and attended Burrowmoor School for four years in the early 1970s.  After some time away, I returned to the town and once again live near the school with my wife and two sons.  I work locally as a solicitor.  Both of my sons joined Burrowmoor when in nursery, the elder one starting nine years ago. I served as governor previously before Covid closed the board down. I recently took on the role of parent governor with the Diamond Trust out of interest in the school and the way it is now developing.  I hope my experience will be beneficial.

Claire Tod - Staff Member

Sarah Mee – Staff Member

For nine years, I have been an active member of the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust. I joined the Burrowmoor family in September 2023 and have been enthused by the progress the school has made in such a short period; inspiring me to join the governing body as a staff governor. My goal is to work collaboratively with the LGB to influence the school community in a positive way and ensure Burrowmoor remains on its current trajectory towards becoming a better version of itself.

I have experience across Key Stage 1 as well as a background working with SEND children. Currently, as part of my role, I lead PSHE across the school as well as the school council. These experiences and learning opportunities lead me to believe I can make a positive contribution to the governing body and the school itself.

I cannot wait to get started!

Email contact details - smee@burrowmoor.cambs.sch.uk

Gill Thomas - Community

I was a primary school teacher for over 30 years and have taught in a number of schools in March and the surrounding villages. My final position was of headteacher of Westwood Primary; until I retired in September 2021. Since retirement I have kept an active interest in education and work as a consultant for Best Practice Network. In this role I coach both senior and middle leaders and tutor teachers in training . My particular interests include special educational needs , positive behaviour strategies and creating a positive school culture.  I really enjoy being   on the of Burrowmoor governing body. The school is moving quickly on a journey on improvement with a very proactive Trust and a dedicated headteacher and it Is a pleasure to play a part in this.

Email Contact - gthomas@burrowmoor.cambs.sch.uk  

Mary Barrington - Community

I taught PE at 3 local secondary schools from January 1980 to July 2011. I was at Wisbech Grammar School as PE and Duke of Edinburgh leader from 1989 until I took early retirement in 2011. I am still going on D of E expeditions with WGS and really enjoy introducing the youngsters to different parts of our country and the great outdoors. 

Since retiring I have spent 10 years as a member of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Whitemoor as well as doing conservation work parties at Gault Wood and Norwood Road nature reserve. I have also learnt to play Bridge, Mahjong and Pickleball. I continue to enjoy playing table tennis and walking both locally and further afield. 

I am looking forward to working in a school environment again.