Hello, my name is Becca Howard Burrell. I have two children now at Cheney School in years 9 and 10 and work as a counsellor and specialist mentor at Brookes University. Previous to this role I taught English in a north London secondary school and also worked as a peripatetic English teacher for students who had been excluded from mainstream education. I have worked as a counsellor and an extended schools coordinator for several primary and secondary school across Oxfordshire. I am passionate about the importance of primary education as the foundation for lifelong learning. Both my parents worked in Primary schools as does my husband in Buckinghamshire and I see working with Brookes students how their early experiences of education shape so much of their academic and personal lives. My main areas of experience and expertise are around safeguarding, raising the attainment of disadvantaged groups and the links between emotional wellbeing and the capacity to learn with particular interest in developing a growth mindset. Although my own children attended St Andrews I know from friends and colleagues what a vibrant, diverse and creative community Windmill School represents and it is a privilege to be part of your governing body.

Health & Wellbeing Governor
Curriculum Committee

My relationship with Windmill is a long one! I first started working here in 2005 and have always valued the importance that the school places on creativity and valuing the whole child through a vibrant curriculum that enables all children to flourish. Windmill is a great school with a strong, supportive community and hardworking, dedicated staff; a school that I enjoy and am proud to be a part of.

I have been teaching for over 20 years and currently combine my teaching responsibilities with co-ordinating History and being the National Education Union (NEU) Rep. I have worked in a number of different schools both as a class teacher and a supply teacher and I hope that all of my experiences will be helpful to Windmill’s Governing Body. I am pleased that I am now able to continue my contributions to the school as a Governor.

Pupil Premium Governor
Curriculum Committee

I have been a Local Authority (LA) appointed governor for Windmill Primary School since 2009 after being approached by some parents who knew I was interested in education and the links with the local community.  I am also a governor at Headington Quarry Nursery and at St Andrew’s Primary School and immensely proud that all have received Outstanding and Good reports from Ofsted inspections.

I enjoy helping at the school and taking an active part in the fund-raising events.  Previously I have served on the Premises, Health, Safety, & Environment committee and have recently joined the Curriculum Committee.  I am committed to making sure our school is fit for purpose for our pupils and staff and that staff are supported to ensure our pupils receive an outstanding learning environment.

In the past I have served as a parent governor at primary and secondary schools. I have two grown up sons, a step daughter, and twelve grandchildren.  I am actively involved with many local community groups and serve as a Trustee for Headington Quarry Village Hall, Risinghurst Community and Headington Community Associations. 

I live locally, with my husband Paul, just around the corner from the school so understand local parent’s concerns about safe home to school travel.

I am currently a researcher in fusion energy, trying to use the processes of the Sun to produce carbon free energy. In my spare time I am part of the “A Glass of Seawater” podcast team that produces a Fusion Energy outreach podcast. As part of my university I also visit schools to deliver talks on climate and energy.

Wanting to get involved in my local community I joined the Windmill Primary governing body in 2019. I am passionate about STEM education and the environment and I am looking forward to contributing to Windmills de-carbonisation and climate strategy.

Bio