My Burford - Ruth Reavley

My Burford Ruth Reavely 

Burford School Governor, Ruth Reavley reflects on her journey with Burford School and what makes governance here so rewarding.

My connection with Burford School began in 2012 when I became a Trustee of the Burford School Foundation (BSF), which supports local education through grants. I moved to Burford in 1991 after marrying Cedric Reavley, whose family ran the chemist shop on Burford High Street for more than a century. His mother, Sybil Reavley, recently featured in The Burfordian as one of the earliest girl students at the school.

In 2021, I joined the Governing Body, initially as the BSF representative, attending Kathy Haig’s final board meeting as Headteacher. When my twelve-year term with BSF ended, the governors kindly co-opted me, allowing me to continue supporting the school. Moving from grant-giver to governor during a period of strategic change, with Matthew Albrighton’s arrival as Head, has been both stimulating and rewarding.

After reading Geography at Oxford, my career began in arts administration and marketing before I discovered the world of governance — an area I didn’t even know existed. I spent twelve years with the Anglican Diocese of Oxford, supporting its decision-making bodies, followed by eight years in a senior governance role at Abingdon & Witney College. Alongside that, I helped run our family pharmacy business and have been involved in many local charities, from Burford Almshouses to choirs for both adults and children.

Parenting, professional life, and volunteering have all shaped what I bring to the Governing Body. Our daughter began her teaching career in the Geography Department here at Burford, so the link feels very personal. To me, good governance means bringing the right people together, with clear information and shared purpose, to make decisions that serve students, staff, and the wider community.

In retirement, my greatest joys are music, gardening, and reading. I sing and play recorders with Burford Singers and the church choir, and I serve as Secretary to the Parochial Church Council. My mother passed on her love of gardening, and I still delight in seeing a border bloom or a neat row of beetroot appear. I also keep notes on every book I read — a habit encouraged by my daughter-in-law, an English teacher.

The school’s values — Respect, Participate, Reach — really resonate with me. I grew up attending a comprehensive in Essex where similar principles were encouraged, and I’m proud to see how deeply they are embedded at Burford. Every visit confirms how these values guide both staff and students in daily life.

I’ve also enjoyed attending the Business Breakfasts — the catering team deserves a mention for their excellent spread! These events bring together local entrepreneurs and school leaders, strengthening ties between education and the local economy. Several business guests have since supported the school’s careers programme, taking part in mock interviews and mentoring.

Burford is a school with ambition and heart. Academic results continue to rise, the arts and sport flourish, and there’s genuine energy around student voice and wellbeing. What I value most is being able to play a small part in this thriving, compassionate community. Being a governor here is a privilege.