Our Governors
Dear Parents, Carers, Families and FriendsOn behalf of all the Governors of Burbage Primary, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our wonderful school. Our children are encouraged to learn, develop, create and grow in a secure and caring setting.
At Burbage Primary School, we want our pupils to grow up as happy, kind, and compassionate young members of the community. We want our school to be a place where pupils can develop resilience and independence in a supportive environment. We want to foster individuality and instil a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We want all of our children, regardless of their background, ability, or need, to have self-confidence and aspirations. We also want families, the school, and the community as a whole to work together effectively; we are all committed to working together to achieve this vision for our school.
Our pupils are happy and enjoy attending school. We are extremely proud of the curriculum and clubs that our teachers provide. Our staff are exceptionally dedicated and provide a high standard of education. Pupils are encouraged to try their best and to succeed. They are also encouraged to develop into responsible, caring young people that display good manners and behaviour.
We hope you enjoy exploring our website and learning more about our wonderful school. Please feel free to contact the office if you would like a visit to see our school in action and our busy pupils at work.
Finally, to conclude, all our staff and Governors are very approachable to all, encouraging children and parents to be actively involved in ensuring that our school is a success. Please feel free to get in touch.
Yours sincerely,
Burbage Governors
Meet our Governors (please click for biographies and appointment terms)
Burbage Governors (ID 1012)
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John AkriggCo-opted Governor
John Akrigg
I have worked as an actuary in the insurance and pensions sectors gaining varied experience in areas including financial reporting and data analysis, which I hope will be useful in serving the school. My wife and I moved to Buxton in 2020. We have three adult sons and our family have always enjoyed the outdoors, particularly camping, hillwalking, cycling, sailing and skiing. Being a governor allows me to give something back to the community. Education is so important for all our children and hope I can help the school in doing the best it can for each child.
Commenced 25 May 2021 (Appointed by governing body). Term ends 20 May 2025.
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Alice MartinStaff Governor
Alice Martin
Commenced 09 May 2023 (appointed by school staff). Term ends 09 May 2027.
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Janet McMurdoLocal Authority Governor
Janet McMurdo
I moved to Buxton with my husband in 2021.As a recently retired headteacher I found I was missing the hustle and bustle of schools and was delighted to be able to join the Governing Body of such a great school. Through my involvement I hope to support aspects of well-being and learning and be used as deemed appropriate. I've always believed that we need to be happy to learn most effectively and have seen this in many aspects of my varied professional career. It is also evident in my visits to this school.As a grandparent of 4 beautiful children based nearby, I am kept busy, enjoying and being involved in their lives. We enjoy travel and exploring the beautiful area we now call home.Commenced 14 June 2023 (Appointed by Local Authority). Term ends 13 June 2027.
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Catherine OliverCo-opted Governor
Catherine Oliver
I have been a teacher at Burbage Primary School since 2006. I am the Deputy Headteacher, Safeguarding lead, English lead and have been a school governor since 2019.
Commenced 13 March 2019 (Appointed by governing body). Term ends 01 September 2023.
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Anthony TierneyHeadteacher Governor
Anthony Tierney
I am very proud to be the Headteacher of our wonderful school. I have been the headteacher of Burbage since September 2015 and I sit on the governing board in my role as headteacher.
Commenced 1 September 2015 (appointed by governing body).
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Emma MooreClerk to Governors
Emma Moore
Emma is clerk to governors; her role includes general administration, taking minutes and advising governors on process and statutory rules, deadlines and submissions.
Joined: September 2022
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Sarah MelchionnoParent Governor
Sarah Melchionno
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Luci FairbrotherParent Governor
Luci Fairbrother
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Jade GrindeyParent Governor
Jade Grindey
I have been working in primary education for 13 years, currently as an Early Years Phase Leader. I have a son and a daughter who attend Burbage Primary School and they both love being part of the school. All staff inspire them to be the best they possibly can be. At Burbage, children are valued as unique individuals and supported holistically and academically to develop their confidence, resilience and independence. As a teacher and leader of the Early Years, I consider children's secure personal, social and emotional development to be fundamental in supporting the success of children’s future wellbeing and academic achievement. As a parent governor, I’m excited to bring my experience to the team and contribute to a positive future for the school.
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Karen ChetwoodCo-opted Governor
Karen Chetwood
A little about me: I have two young children, the eldest of whom is at Burbage. I am a primary school teacher myself, and have taught just round the corner at Buxton Junior School since I first qualified. For two of those years, prior to having my children, I took on the role of SENCo.We live locally, and love being within walking distance of school and being part of the school community in that way. Something that my husband and I remarked upon, when we first came to look around the school as prospective parents, was how warm and welcoming the atmosphere was, and that has certainly continued to be our experience since our daughter started. It is really clear that success of the school is in no small part due to the happiness of the staff team, and how well everybody works together. Perhaps due to the nature of my own job as a teacher, I thrive when I work and collaborate with others. I care very much about the school being the best it can be, not just as a member of the wider community, but also as a parent of a child at the school - and as a colleague at a neighbouring school in the Buxton cluster. -
Edmund LumsdenCo-opted Governor
Edmund Lumsden
I moved to Buxton with my wife in 2022 and have enjoyed living in this town so much that I am looking for ways to get more involved in, and give back to, the community. I have a young son who I hope will attend this school, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to its success for his benefit and the benefit of all children who attend.
I have a background in marketing and communications and am skilled in writing and content creation. I would be happy to contribute to the school's website, newsletters, or any similar needs.
Working in the public sector, I have some understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our educational system. Additionally, I am passionate about fitness and believe in the importance of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
I am eager to serve as a school governor because I believe that primary school is a foundational part of a child's and adult's life, shaping them into what they will become. Every child should have access to high-quality learning experiences that foster their academic, social, and emotional development. As a school governor, I aim to contribute to the strategic direction of the school, support the leadership team, and advocate for policies that promote learning and excellence.
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Nari BaileyCo-opted Governor
Nari Bailey
I grew up in Burbage and attended our school as a child. I always felt that I was given a brilliant start in life here. My two children are currently at Burbage and love the school as much as I did. They feel supported, motivated and inspired in many aspects of their school life.
As a teacher here, I am keen to continue to uphold the traditions of strong values, high expectations and achievements that we encourage in the best interests of the families, children and staff, who are all integral to our school community.
During my time here, I have taught in EYFS and Year 2 and have led Computing, School Council and most recently History, which is my passion and the subject in which I gained my undergraduate and masters degrees.
Governor Newsletter
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What the governing board does, and how we work
Schools governors work to plan the strategic direction of the school, oversee budgets, and support and challenge the headteacher. As part of the governing board, governors play a vital role in helping schools run efficiently and effectively to give children the best education possible.
What do school governors do?
School governors have three core functions:
How do we work?
School governors are volunteers. Being a school governor is a responsibility, but offers people a chance to see first-hand the impact you can make in improving education for children in your community. Each governor takes on a 'link role' which involves them coming onto site for school visits to then reporting back into the wider board.
Types of Governors
Burbage has five types of governors on our board:
The Instrument of Government at Burbage Primary School consists of 1 Local Authority governor (current vacancy); 6 Co-opted governors; 1 Headteacher; 1 Staff governor; 2 Parent governors.
Link Roles
Governors taken on 'link roles' which means they have an area of strategic importance they are responsible for. Governors fulfil their link roles by making visits to school, ensuring they are up to date with legislation and national trends, monitoring compliance and reporting back to the wider board through Visit Reports and at meetings.
Anti-bullying and Previously/Currently Looked After Children | Karen Chetwood |
Curriculum | Nari Bailey |
Data Protection Officer/GDPR | Alice Martin |
English | Edmund Lumsden |
EYFS | Jade Grindey |
Finance | John Akrigg |
Health & Safety and Grounds/Buildings | John Akrigg |
Inclusion | Janet McMurdo |
Maths | Luci Fairbrother |
Pupil Premium | Luci Fairbrother |
Safeguarding | Karen Chetwood |
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural | Jade Grindey |
Sports Provision |
Sarah Melchionno |
Website | Edmund Lumsden |
Wellbeing | Janet McMurdo |
Governing Body Constitution
Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools
Details of any relevant business and pecuniary interests held by Governors can be found here in the Register of Interests: There are currently no declared interests.
No governors currently have additional governing roles in other educational institutions.
Attendance Figures
Attendance Figures 23-24
governor attendance 2023 2024 .pdf
How to contact governors
Many of our governors are around school at the start and end of the school day. If you wish to speak to governors, please contact the school office and we will be happy to put you in touch.
Telephone: 01298 22278
Email: enquiries@burbage.derbyshire.sch.uk
Alternatively, Emma Moore, our clerk to governors may be contacted via: emoore@burbage.derbyshire.sch.uk