For more information about our governing body, please read their profiles below.
If you would like to contact the governors, please email the Clerk to the LGB at [email protected]
Elliott Lawley serves as Vice-Chair of the Local Governing Body and brings professional experience in strategic decision-making, leadership, and long-term planning. In his day-to-day role, he works as a Senior Manager within the property and development sector, where he is responsible for evaluating opportunities, managing risk, and delivering sustainable outcomes.
As a Governor, Elliott is passionate about supporting high standards of education, strong leadership, and a positive school culture. He is particularly interested in governance, accountability, and ensuring the school is well-placed to meet both current needs and future challenges.
He is proud to support the school in a community within which he lives with his young family and works closely with fellow governors and senior leaders to provide constructive challenge and strategic oversight in the best interests of students.
Ian Burns is the Managing Director of Cameron Homes Limited, a privately owned residential developer; a position held since 1994. Ian has experience as a Local Authority Councillor working at both Parish and District level. He was a Trustee of the Armitage with Handsacre Village Hall and has lived in Burton-on-Trent for the last 11 years. Ian has a keen interest in supporting the transition of young people from education to the workplace.
Louise has built a career as a data specialist, with extensive experience in education consultancy and data management. She has supported schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the Midlands, helping leadership teams make evidence-based decisions through robust reporting, training, and data solutions.
Louise has a long-standing connection to education, having worked in school-based roles ranging from Special Needs Teaching Assistant to Data Manager. This has given her a well-rounded understanding of both the strategic and day-to-day challenges that schools face.
Passionate about community engagement, Louise also serves as a Trustee for Barton Neighbourhood Volunteers, a local charity supporting residents through volunteer-led services.
With expertise in education, data, and governance, Louise is committed to supporting the school in delivering the best possible outcomes for pupils, staff, and families.
Jake has worked for over 25 years in the construction industry, specialising in the Commercial Floorcoverings Market where he is currently National Sales Manager UK – Commercial for IVC Group, a division of a Mohawk Industries, the largest floor covering manufacturing Group in the world.
From starting out as a commercial flooring installer, he very quickly transitioned into a junior sales role and developed his career from there.
Jake is an advocate of career progression, harnessing and developing life skills in young people and helping them realise their full potential.
A former martial arts instructor, he has first hand experience of working with all levels of ability and coaching accordingly.
Jake’s daughter was an attendee of the school, joining in the second intake year, and Jake would like to give back for the support and agility the school showed during the Covid-19 pandemic and other challenges.
With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence earned in 2005 and over 20 years of extensive industry experience, Ting has built a distinguished career across IT, manufacturing, and the food and beverage sectors. Currently serving as the AI & Tech Manager at Suntory, Ting specializes in driving innovation through online learning technology. His expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge AI to enhance organizational capabilities and foster transformative solutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ting is a proud parent of two children in years 7 and 9 at school. He is deeply committed to supporting the school community and contributing to its growth.
Laura joined JTFS in 2022 as SENCo and has taken on the new role of Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and DSL. Laura has over 20 years of teaching experience across Ireland, Gibraltar, and England. She is an Art teacher with a passion for creativity and has also worked extensively in supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Laura has a strong belief in inclusion and in helping every young person to succeed and thrive.
Since 2002, she has spent her summers in America teaching ceramics at camp, where she enjoys sharing her love of the arts and the outdoors. She values the importance of enrichment and the relationships built with students through creative opportunities, and she brings this enthusiasm for inclusion and personal growth to her role as a governor.
Andrew is the Senior ICT Technician at John Taylor Free School. He has been working in the education sector for 15 years and has been at the Free School since the outset, having previously been the Network Manager at another Secondary School for over ten years.
He has a wide range of experience from his years working in schools and is looking forward to offering his input into the continual growth and development of John Taylor Free School.
In his spare time, he enjoys photography and playing the guitar.
Mrs Martin became Headteacher of John Taylor Free School in January 2026, following many successful years on outstanding senior leadership teams.
As Headteacher, Mrs Martin is responsible for the overall leadership of the school, the vision and ethos, and ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunities needed to succeed and thrive.
