If you are interested in becoming a governor at Burleyfields Primary School please contact Jennifer Francis - Governance Support Officer via Email jfrancis@creativelrng.com or telephone 01782228912

At Burleyfields Primary School, we believe that effective governance is the cornerstone of educational excellence. Our dedicated team of governors, trustees, and local community members collaboratively shape the future of our school.

Please find below the details of our governing board. 

Governing Board Membership 

Dr. Clare Wilkinson - Chair - Elected 15.09.2025 (1 year term) 

Douglas Rouxel - Vice Chair - Elected 01.09.2025

Co-opted Governors

Rebecca Schulp - Elected 01.09.2025

Elizabeth Lennon - Elected 01.09.2025

Mark Hartwright - Elected 01.09.2025

Rachel Walker - Elected 01.09.2025

Pen Portraits

Rebecca Schulp is an experienced educational administrator with a strong background in coordinating teaching, learning, and student experience activities at The University of Manchester. With a master’s degree in social Anthropology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Rebecca has developed a robust skill set in leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Outside of her professional life, Rebecca is deeply committed to community service. She has been a dedicated volunteer with Girlguiding for nearly two decades, leading activities that empower young girls and women. Additionally, she has volunteered at local food banks and coordinated donation schemes to support families in need.

Rebecca is passionate for education, has extensive experience and community involvement, and is eager to contribute to the local community, support the school's development, and help shape the futures of its students.

Elizabeth Lennon is a dedicated professional with a strong background in Executive Support administration. She holds an MA in Education with Distinction from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Education and Sociology from Keele University.

Elizabeth has extensive volunteer experience, including roles with Parent Partnership and Stafford Rugby Club, where she served as Secretary, Safeguarding Officer, and Safeguarding Manager for Staffordshire Rugby. She is also a trustee of the local charity, A Child Of Mine.

Elizabeth is particularly interested in contributing to the development of Burleyfields School from its inception, ensuring that children value integrity and develop as global citizens. Her passion for education and her local community, combined with her professional and volunteer experience, position her well to support the school's growth and success.

Dr. Clare Wilkinson is a retired educator with a distinguished career in teaching and school leadership. She holds a Doctorate in History from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, along with several other qualifications, including a Diploma in Archive Administration, a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education, and a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator Award.

Clare's professional experience spans various roles, including Teacher of Religious Education at Holy Family Catholic School & Sixth Form, SENDCo, Head of Year at Turnford Secondary School, and Office Manager at University College London. Her extensive background in education has equipped her with skills in strategic planning, managing others, evaluating milestones, and communicating with parents and external stakeholders.

Since retiring in September 2023, Clare has become increasingly active in her local community in Stafford. She volunteers with Wildlife Matters Stafford and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, engaging primary school children and their families in environmental activities. Clare is also training to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at Bangor University.

Clare's commitment to raising educational standards and her passion for community involvement make her a valuable candidate for the role of school governor. She is eager to contribute to the development of Burleyfields School, supporting its mission to transform children's lives through education and social justice.

Douglas Rouxel has worked in Higher and Further Education since 2006 and have in that time undertaken a PGCE in Lifelong Learning, become a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and undertaken countless training and development courses in a range of education areas including observations, assessment, administration, marking and teaching and learning. Douglas has been involved in education for almost 20 years and has experience of being a school Governor in a primary school as well as Staff Governor experience at the university of Staffordshire. Douglas is a local ward councillor at a Borough level for the area and would like to support the development of Burleyfields as part of his ward. Douglas has a wide range of experience and skills both in governance and organization as well as Education and is well integrated into the local community as a Borough Councillor.

Mark Hartwright is an experienced education consultant with a rich background in teaching and educational technology. With a BA (QTS) Honours in Primary Education from Northampton University, Mark has dedicated over 11 years to teaching various age groups from Reception to Year 6. For the past 6 years and 7 months, he has been working with SMART Technologies, where he supports schools, teachers, and resellers in implementing SMART Boards and software, providing pre-sales consultations, and fostering educational innovation.

Mark has a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to contribute to the local community. He aims to leverage his extensive teaching experience and corporate sector insights to support the school's vision and goals. Mark is deeply invested in the community's growth and development. He is eager to share his expertise and knowledge to positively impact the local school and its pupils.

Rachel Walker is a dedicated and accomplished education professional with extensive experience in teaching and leadership. Holding a PGCE in History from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Hull, Rachel has a strong academic background that underpins her career in education.

Rachel currently serves as the Director of Humanities at Ormiston SWB Academy. She leads a large faculty comprising History, Geography, PRE, Psychology, and Sociology, managing a team of thirteen staff members. She is passionate about making a positive impact on children's academic success and mental well-being, and she is eager to contribute her skills and experience to the governing board at Burleyfields.

Rachel's expertise in teaching and learning strategies, curriculum and assessment, and her ability to lead and work collaboratively make her an invaluable asset to the governing body.