Laura Burt

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: February 2023 to February 2027

I have lived in Stevenage all my life, and have two sons who are a part of the Woolenwick community. I have a particular interest in SEN provision to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to succeed and I truly see this in action in The Woolenwick Schools. I also love to see sports integrated into school life; teaching children teamwork, discipline, hard work and also the impact it can have to their mental wellbeing. In my spare time, with two active boys, we love all things rugby, getting outdoors, being on the beach in all weathers and camping!

My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: SEND  GDPR

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Resource Committee Headteacher Review Committee Full Governing Body 

Co-Vice Chair of Governors

LA Governor

Term of office: 

I am honoured to be a governor at The Woolenwick Schools. The staff are amazing and the children constantly impress and inspire me. I am willing and able to do all in my power to keep the school amongst the best in the country. 

My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: Foundation Subjects Governor Training Governor Recruitment

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body  Headteacher's Review Committee  

Maxine Gorvett

Co-Opted Governor & Co-Vice Chair Governor

Term of Office 23 March 2023 to 22 March 2027

I am a working mum with one daughter left at the school. I have a strong belief in equal opportunities and have volunteered time to several initiatives over the years to this end. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed in life and that good schools are key to making this happen. I am excited to be on the governing board to help in any way I can and to enable the teaching staff to focus on nurturing and growing the next generation. 

My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are:  Health & Safety  School Website

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body

Staff Governor

Term of office: October 2025 to October 2029 

I am a staff member of the governing board. I have worked at the school for 27 years within the SEND and Safeguarding team as a family liaison officer. I provide support to all pupils, parents and staff to ensure the best support and opportunities are in place for everyone. 

My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibility is: Foundation Subjects

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body

Simon Griffiths

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 

I have two daughters at the school. The link between the teachers, parents and the school is crucial to the success of the children and I believe I can help with that. I moved to Stevenage over 10 years ago. 

My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: PPG/Sports Premium Foundation Subjects

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body 

Amy Bowden

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office 3 September 2024 to 2 September 2028

I am a primary teacher with experience working with EYFS, KS1 and KS2 and subsequent curriculum planning and monitoring. I am also a mum to a child at the school so bring experience from my workplace but also the school community to my role as Governor. I am link governor for safeguarding and am passionate about giving children the opportunity to thrive in the school setting by affording them experiences they might not have accessed elsewhere. 

My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibility is: English

I support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body

Natasha Baker

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office:

Being a governor gives you the opportunity to be involved in the strategic decisions and future direction of the school which, as a parent of 3 young children, is really important to me. This opportunity gives me the chance to use the skills I have developed in my career in banking to benefit the school.

My Governor Board Link Subject Responsibility is: Maths

I support the school by being an integral part of the Resources Committee.

Nicola Stevens

Co-Opted Governor

Term of office :

My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibility is: Finance

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Resources Committee  Full Governing Body 

Lucy Henry-Baird

Parent Governor

Term of Office:

October 2025 to October 2029

As a parent to children in infants and Juniors I welcome the opportunity to bring my professional experience and passion for inclusion to support the continued success of Woolenwick. I am committed to inclusive education, supporting every learner to reach their potential. Professionally, I have worked in post-16 education for over 20 years from teaching roles into senior leadership. I am currently a Director of Youth, Education, and Skills at a National Charity supporting vulnerable young people (NEET and SEND) and I am the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibility is: Safeguarding

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Headteacher's Review Committee Full Governing Body

Paul Thomas

Parent Governor

Term of Office:

October 2025 to October 2029

I am a parent who cares deeply about every child feeling safe, happy and able to thrive at Woolenwick. As a senior police officer, I have led teams, managed public funds and built positive relationships with diverse communities. Safeguarding and inclusion have always been important to me. I want to use these skills and my cooperative approach to support the school, working with parents, staff and governors to give every child the best possible start.

My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: Science Computing PE

I also support the school by being an integral part of the Resources Committee Full Governing Body

Kayleigh Kingsland

Clerk to Governors

I work for HFL Education and am an independent professional clerk providing  administrative and organisational support to the Governing Board. I also provides guidance to ensure that the Board works in compliance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework and advises on procedural matters relating to the operation of the Board. 

I support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body