Our passionate team of educators joined Lumiar because they want to do things differently

Meet the Head

claire walker: Director of education

I am passionate about transforming education and love working with children. To develop the crucial attributes and life skills that children will need as adults, I believe it is essential that they take charge of their own learning, adopt a growth mindset, find the joy of learning and the curiosity and resilience to challenge themselves. I believe that as an educator, my job is to work with them and their innate playfulness and curiosity, supporting their desire and capacity to learn-rather than just turning it into school. Their experience of learning at primary age will often shape their attitude to learning in the future, so it’s important that children have the space and freedom to play, manage themselves, explore, go on adventures together and ignite their imaginations.

• Overall Operational Responsibility for Safeguarding & Child Protection

• Leadership in PE, Dance Specialism

SCHOOL OFFICE

Behind the scenes, our office team ensure that the school is running smoothly.

REBECKA MAU: Operations coordinator

I have always highly valued project-based learning and really enjoy working in Lumiar’s progressive setting. I believe that all children have a unique set of skills and are born with an intrinsic love of learning. Unfortunately, so much of it gets lost or even crushed in mainstream education.

Although my background is in project and event management, I have hands-on experience of supporting alternative education projects. I was Chair of Trustees for Laurel Farm Kindergarten, steering the community through the challenging times of Covid-19, and co-founded a Steiner-inspired home education group.

SARAH WEBB: administrator

As a parent of a child at the school, I understand the importance of strong communication between the school and current and prospective parents and enjoy supporting parents to stay up to date. My role is to ensure that our whole community has a shared understanding of the school’s procedures and expectations in support of a strong home/school working alliance.

When my son joined the school, I saw, first-hand, the school’s commitment to students’ individual growth and the way in which we encourage collaboration and build trust while ensuring learning is fun and engaging.

As well as being an Administrator at Lumiar, I work as a translator and exam invigilator. 

Tutors

Learning is led by a team of inspiring people

At our school, the role of the teacher is divided into Tutors (permanent teachers) and Masters (visiting project experts). The Tutor provides the day-to-day support and really knows each child, and their strengths and challenges. They support their social and emotional development, keep track of each child’s academic progress, and make sure they are meeting age-appropriate competencies.

They are also responsible for identifying the interests and abilities of their students and then supporting them to devise projects that help them to practice their skills and grow new ones.

TOM BROWN: secondary LEAD & BLAZE TUTOR (C3)

I believe education should inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and build the skills young people need for a purposeful life. Over the past decade as a Montessori primary and secondary teacher in the US and UK, I’ve seen firsthand how joyful, child-centered environments empower children to thrive. By creating learning spaces that prioritise well-being, exploration, collaboration, and meaningful challenges, I believe we can help young people succeed in an ever-changing world and shape a more peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future. I bring my love of learning and life into every community I work with—nurturing a passion for reading and writing, teaching ukulele, playing sports, and leading outdoor adventures.

• Secondary Specialist

• Mindfulness Teacher

• Reading, Writing, and Poetry Specialist

• Deputy Designating Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Marie Hobson: SPARK Tutor (C2)

My own love for learning brought me to the world of education five years ago and I have since had experience teaching both internationally and within the UK. My perception of the role as a ‘teacher’ was transformed while working with refugee children in Greece. I saw that education must go beyond academic achievement, but explore the limitless possibilities of each child's unique creativity. Equipping children with skills that are needed in a changing world; which is why I am so excited to be joining Lumiar School. Alongside education, I have a background in film production, a love for languages, painting, nature, and the adventure of being alive. 

• Art Specialism

• International Collaboration and Experience

SJ REDSHAW: IGNITE tutor (C2)

My journey at Lumiar has been nothing short of transformative. Each day within this vibrant community has deepened my belief that education is far more than a means to acquire knowledge; it is a powerful force for growth, connection, and meaningful change.

Working alongside such a passionate and dedicated team has been a profound privilege - this environment is not only enriching, but alive with purpose. The creativity, care, and unwavering commitment each team member brings to Lumiar transforms it into a living, breathing ecosystem of inspiration.

For me, the most meaningful thing is walking alongside our students on their unique journeys. Witnessing their growth, not just academically, but as curious, courageous, and compassionate individuals, has been deeply humbling. Supporting them through challenges, celebrating their wins, and seeing them step more fully into themselves has reminded me every day why this work matters.

At Lumiar, I found more than a workplace. I found a community where growth is nurtured at every level, where learning is shared, and where minds and hearts expand, together. For all the laughter, the lessons, and the lives we’ve touched.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Superkind Coordinator

• Creative Arts Specialism

Sarah Green: EMBERS tutor (C1)

I have always loved to learn and because of this I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I have worked as a teacher for many years and in that time I have taught almost every age group- from nursery all the way up to Year 6. My time in mainstream education has shown me how valuable schools like Lumiar are for the future of education. I believe that the experiences of young people within education lights the spark for their future successes and that Lumiar is a place that holds the match! I love working at Lumiar and being C1 teacher and working alongside a lovely team of passionate people.  Outside of teaching, I enjoy crocheting, crafts, music and cultivating my collection of Crocs. 

• Music Specialism

• Science and Technology Specialism

• Evaluation and Monitoring 

• SENDCO

SUPPORT TUTORS

Working closely with each student, to help them reach their potential

Just like a mainstream setting, we make sure our fantastic teachers have the support they need in the classroom so that they are able to meet every child’s needs. Our team of Support Tutors (maybe better understood as ‘Teaching Assistants’) work alongside our tutors, offering emotional and academic support, and working with individuals and small groups.

Heather Courage: EMBERS support tutor

I have worked in school and nursery settings for many years, working as a HLTA in a school alongside children with ASD and as a Early Years Practitioner at Norland Nursery. I feel it is important to gain a unique understanding of each child that you work with,  to be able to adapt strategies and promote their individual growth effectively.

I believe I bring a substantial amount of knowledge and expertise in early years and also outdoor learning, as I have my advanced award in Forest School Leadership. I believe it's key to create an engaging and enriched environment at Lumiar, where children can flourish with us on their learning journey.

• Qualified Forest School Lead

Jess Ware: SPARK Support Tutor

I came to Lumiar with a wealth of experience supporting children, ready to adapt and deliver learning to ensure every child is engaged and has the space to be creative. I enjoy teaching phonics and intervention sessions in a fun and memorable way!

I am passionate about working with children, ensuring their safety and happiness and giving them opportunities to be free. I believe that the Lumiar approach to education helps every child to be an individual and supports learning in an encouraging and creative way - we allow students to be practical and experimental in their learning journey. I knew Lumiar was where I wanted to work as they offer this to all children. 

I am the Thrive Practitioner at Lumiar, working closely with the students and helping tutors plan activities to ensure that we support mindfulness, emotional and social development, adapting what we teach to best meet the needs of each individual child. I really enjoy watching as the children grow in confidence and learn skills that will support them all through their lives.

I enjoy crafting, reading fiction, and love visiting the goats on the farm.

• Qualified Thrive Practitioner in Childhood & Adolescence

Cressie Harris: BLAZE Support tutor

I love reading and consuming knowledge, sketching as a means of self-expression, and engagement in community projects. I have many years experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and Carer for vulnerable individuals. Alongside, I have been vigorously studying for the last seven years - most recently for a Masters in Inclusive Education. The Lumiar vision is in accordance with my passion for inclusivity that promotes inventiveness, self-realisation and social malleability. To facilitate exploration of individualism, encourage a resolute mindset and empower children to reach for the stars, is my philosophy. I am excited to unite with the team and apply a contemporary approach to learning.

• Making and Baking

• Crafting

• Inclusive Education

Rob Ware: Learning Mentor & Health & Safety

I am passionate about working with children and helping them to grow and develop into confident and independent young people - Lumiar's setting fully supports children to do this. 

I have experience of working with children at Trowbridge Rugby Club as Head of their Minis programme and volunteering at a church nursery. I am a dad of three and a long term foster carer to two children. I have a wealth of experience supporting children with trauma and am PACE trained.

I am particularly enjoying delivering the mini medics training to the C2s, drawing on my experience as a first responder with St John Ambulance. Seeing the children practise and share their knowledge at open barn was a highlight for me. 

I love gardening and have a small group with whom I garden regularly. They grow plants from seeds in the courtyard greenhouse. The care they show to the seeds as they develop and grow is wonderful to watch and support. 

I help our students to play different sports at break times, either joining in with games or acting as referee. When I am not in my role as learning mentor I also look after the health and safety of the site, completing regular checks and maintenance. In my freetime, I enjoy gardening, woodworking, jewellery making and walking our three dogs.

Anna Harford: Secondary Support Tutor

My passion for education is rooted in the profound joy of watching students unlock their potential. I have 13 years of educational experience: five foundation years in primary and eight years in secondary.

Although I have a deep interest in history, I consider my specialist subjects to be Maths, Dance and PE. I also really love the outdoors and enjoy sharing my knowledge of the world gained through travelling each summer. 

I take great joy in guiding learners through their own learning journeys, and helping them to build lasting confidence, adaptability, and a lifelong love of learning. 

Masters

Bringing real world expertise into the classroom

While our tutors are the permanent, day-to-day teacher, we want the students to hear from real-world experts about whatever project they are currently working on. 

We invite subject matter experts – known as Masters – to come into the school to share their passion and expertise on a particular area. That might mean supporting a single project (like the architect who helped the children plan their houses) or coming into school every week – like our maths, literacy, and sport Masters. Usually, Masters are not “teachers” in a formal sense, but individuals who know lots about something and are passionate about sharing their enthusiasm for a topic with the children.

Chris Walker: PE Master

Chris is a Sports and Conditioning Coach, PE teacher and the owner of Spark Sports Coaching. He has been teaching Physical Education in Primary Schools for over 10 year and is one of our regular Masters at Lumiar

Emily Randall-Jones: LITERACY & performance Development Tutor

Emily is a former actress and award-winning author.

She wrote The Witchstone Ghosts and The Scream of the Whistle, and won of the Mslexia Children’s and YA Novel prize and the Times/Chicken House award.

As an actress, she appeared in plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, Battersea Arts Centre and York Theatre Royal, as well as visiting schools with Theatre-in-Education. She also worked in historical engagement for Hampton Court and the National Trust.

Emily trained in creative writing and now works as a professional children’s writer and workshop facilitator. She is also a founder of the Neurodivergent Writers’ Group as part of the online community WriteMentor.

She says: “I love working with young people to nurture their own spark of creativity, no matter how we find it and no matter what it looks like. I believe that storytelling – in its myriad forms – is a fundamental human need, essential for wellbeing and building the foundations of a rich and varied life.”

Helena Bourne: MATHS & SPANISH Development tutor

Helena joined us in September 2025 to bring additional skills in maths and languages to our secondary students.

VOLUNTEERS

ANN GARDINER: VOLUNTEER

Ann comes to Lumiar one or two days every week, to support the tutors, tend the courtyard garden, and help keep the classrooms tidy.

She recently retired from a long and successful career as the joint owner of a direct response agency in Bath that turns over £10m a year. Finding herself with spare time on her hands, she decided to follow her interest in education, and was accepted at Lumiar as a volunteer in February 2024.

Alongside helping out at Lumiar, Ann enjoys ballet, yoga, swimming and tennis.

Board of Governors

Lumiar School is run by an experienced education team and overseen by a Board of Governors. The Board holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the effective operation and financial management of the school, as well as the implementation of its policies and procedures. The Board is also responsible for appointing and managing senior paid staff, who are required to report to the Board on a regular basis.

To contact a member of the Board of Governors, please email admin@lumiar.co.uk or write to Lumiar School, Stowford Manor Farm, Wingfield, Wiltshire BA14 9LH.

Join Us

We are always looking for masters, volunteers and supply/bank tutors. To see all opportunities or to register your interest please go to our jobs page.