Meet the Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Liesel Muraro – Principal
I feel immensely privileged to be the principal of Bovington Academy: a school filled with an exceptional staff and unique pupils. Every one of us are on a journey to take the academy and pupils on to new heights of learning, inspiration, creativity and kindness. I believe that it is our responsibility to open doors for all pupils by believing in them, nurturing them and championing them.
I began my teaching career over 30 years ago in South Africa. I was born and raised on a farm in South Africa. Yes- “I had a farm in Africa!” Soon after university, I moved to the UK for adventure, culture, discovery and fulfilling dreams. After living in London for 8 fun-filled years: traveling the world a few times and developing my teaching skills, I discovered glorious Dorset and settled down. I have been teaching at Bovington for 14 years: first as a part time class teacher, then the SEND teacher, then the KS2 phase leader, then the assistant principal and now as principal. Bovington is a part of me as is every one of its families. Every child has the greatest potential and I am humbled that I can be part of their journey.
Claire Wilson-Woodward – School Business Manager
I have been working at Bovington Academy since 2004 when it was Bovington First School with only 120 pupils, as a part-time Admin assistant. I have worked my way up to now being the School Business Manager with the responsibility for the HR and Finance of the Academy. I have been through all 4 of the Ofsted inspections and have seen many pupils, staff, and changes along the way. I am loving seeing the school return to whence it came and am excited about our journey moving forward. I was in the WRENs for 8 years where I travelled and experienced a different world before settling back at home in Dorset and bringing up my daughter. Outside of school, I love to keep fit attending a gym regularly, I am a keen gardener and find my garden a sanctuary after a day in the office, however, my passion in life is Ballroom dancing and I compete at a Pro-Am level all over the country, and if I had my time again I would do nothing but dance!
Chris Gibson – Vice Principal
Stepping into my new role as Vice Principal, I feel an immense sense of gratitude and excitement. I first joined Bovington Academy in 2020, a year unlike any other, and I immediately felt the warmth and resilience of this wonderful school and community. The dedication of the staff, students, and parents made me feel right at home.
Teaching is a career I was drawn to because of the profound impact it has on young lives. I believe that every child deserves a supportive and enriching environment where they can discover their passions and grow into confident, curious learners. I’m so proud to be a part of a school that embodies this philosophy. I look forward to continuing to serve this community and working together to help your children thrive.
Teachers
Emma Drake – Teacher
I currently work in Year R in Lulworth Class. I am now in my 7th year teaching at Bovington Academy and my 21st year of teaching, which has flown by! During my time at Bovington I have taught in all year groups. I love finding different ways of delivering and teaching lessons, making sure they are fun and inspiring for all children. My mum, grandpa and granny were all teachers so I followed in their footsteps. Apart from four years at University I have always lived in Dorset and can’t see myself living anywhere else. I love being near the sea and travelling abroad, but always look forward to coming home. I enjoy keeping fit by running and exercise classes. Spending time with friends and family, going out for food and drinks is one of my favourite past times and am always up for anything fun!
Sarah Elms – Teacher
I began working at Bovington Academy in 2019 and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a great, committed team who genuinely care for the lives of young people. Originally from Hertfordshire, I have moved around the counties in the south before settling with my family in Dorset. I trained in Performing Arts at Winchester University and after having 2 beautiful girls of my own, decided to make the move into teaching. Every day is so different, I particularly value the relationships built with the children and the fun we have whilst learning in the classroom!
Jane Buck – Teacher
After completing a teaching degree in Bath, I taught for 20 years both in the UK and Africa. I then had a career change and managed a nursery and preschool as well as caring for elderly relatives. During this time I trained as a Forest School Leader and then started to work at Bovington leading Forest School sessions. I decided to return to the classroom full time in September 2021 and welcomed the opportunity to teach at Bovington.
Rebecca Wandowski – Teacher
I joined Bovington Academy in September 2025 and currently teach in Year 4. I have worked within the Aspirations Academy Trust for the past eight years and am excited to now be part of the Bovington team. I completed my teacher training at Plymouth University, where I had the opportunity to teach in Chile for three months—an incredible experience! After completing my degree, I returned to my home county of Dorset to begin my teaching journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a role where I can inspire curiosity, build confidence and make a lasting difference in children’s lives every day. Outside of work, I enjoy walking by the coast and, more recently, playing padel.
Verity Painter – Teacher
I am currently teaching Year 2 in Studland Class, after joining Bovington in November 2021. I grew up in Kent and went to Bangor, Wales, in 2009 to study for my undergraduate degree in Religious Studies; from there I spent a year travelling abroad, living out of my backpack and looking for adventure! Afterwards, I lived and worked in London in the charity sector for a number of years before being drawn to the beauty of the Dorset coast and the possibilities of teaching. I am now in my fourth year of being a teacher and love the creativity and variety of being part of a school community. I love teaching! Helping a child to understand something new and seeing their confidence grow is a wonderful feeling, and I believe my job is to enable every child to live up to their amazing potential.
Pusmeena Ward – Teacher
I’ve been teaching for over 12 years now (I can’t quite believe it!) and have taught all over England. Starting my career and teacher training in London, where I grew up, and then moving to Manchester where I taught in a number of different schools and all the year groups! I loved living and teaching in Manchester and was there for over 10 years. In 2016, my husband and I made the big move to Devon, where I taught in another great school with nearly 500 children! We spent 5 years living in Devon before having to move again as my husband was drafted to Bovington Camp (sound familiar?). I joined Bovington Academy in 2022 and still have a passion for teaching and seeing those light bulb moments in children as something you have taught them clicks! Every day is an adventure in teaching and I absolutely love it!
Alyssa Williamson – Teacher
I am currently in my second posting at Bovington and I couldn’t be happier! I have been teaching for eight years now and have had the opportunity to teach in various schools, including one in Cyprus. I do miss the sunny weather there though! As a military child myself, and with my husband also working in the military, I feel that I can connect with the children who find themselves in new postings. Although I have taught many different year groups, I particularly enjoy working with KS2 students. When I’m not at school, I like to go on walks, climb and swim with my family. We love going on adventures locally, so I am sure you will see me in school and out and about.
Collette Snape – Teacher
I started working in education back in Liverpool over 17 years ago! I moved to Dorset in 2017 with my family and joined Bovington in 2018, originally as a Learning support assistant. It had always been my dream and passion to become a teacher here at Bovington and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to do so! I went to university and completed a degree in teaching and learning. I started my first year of teaching in year 2. I had three fantastic years in year 2 but I decided to take on a new challenge and I am now currently the year 3 teacher. I am excited to be on this new adventure experience more of key stage 2.
Madelin Herbert – Apprentice Teacher
I joined Bovington in June 2025, working as a teaching assistant with Years 3 and 4. I was pleased to be accepted onto the Teacher Apprenticeship programme in association with Bovington and Coventry University and joined the amazing Year 5 team in September. Before joining Bovington, I graduated from University in Cardiff with a degree in Professional Policing. I have always lived in Dorset and my main hobby is running. I am looking forward to learning from the brilliant staff and pupils at Bovington.
Sue Matthews (SENCO)
I have been in education for a number of years, and it was early in my teaching career that I knew that both working within Early Years and also SEND are where my interests lie. All children and young people have the right to get the support they need to reach their full learning potential. I believe that we should have an inclusive educational system which focuses on overcoming barriers to learning and getting it right for every child. Some children and young people need additional support to benefit fully from their education and this is where my SENDCo role is so important. I am delighted to be working with such a committed and supportive staff and, of course, wonderful children. Bovington Academy is a happy, aspirational and safe place and is the heart of the community. I feel very privileged to be part of the Bovington ‘family’.
Admin Staff
Michaela Mitchener
I’m the School Office Administrator here at Bovington Academy, and I’m often the first face you’ll see when you come into the office. I help keep things running smoothly day to day, answering questions, supporting families, and making sure everything behind the scenes is organised. I’ve worked in both primary and secondary schools for over seven years in a variety of administrative roles. There’s something truly special about working in a primary setting—children’s sense of wonder and curiosity is contagious, and it brings a unique energy to each day. As a parent myself, with one child in secondary school and another in primary, I understand the juggle of busy school schedules and family life. At home, I’m kept on my toes by my two lovely dogs, Rosie and Alan, who are very much part of the family. I feel incredibly lucky to work in such a warm, welcoming school community. No two days are the same, and I genuinely enjoy helping support our staff, pupils, and families however I can.
Pastoral team
Lowry Stone
Well, where shall I start? I’ve worked at this school for over 22 years, and now I’m beginning to see the children of the children I have taught come through the school! I believe passionately that all children need to feel safe, listened to and believed in. With this in mind my prime objective is to play a part in helping create a school where everyone has a voice, all children have an emotionally available adult ready to help them and that the school thrives within our diverse and ever changing community. I love music and singing and you can often hear me coming before you see me! I’m very excited to be studying music making with children and young people who have or are at risk of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Every day offers a new challenge and I look forward to embracing and adapting to whatever is needed to help our children, staff, families, school and community thrive
Anna Dyson
I came to Bovington Academy after 15 years working firstly as a teaching assistant and then as a pastoral worker and deputy DSL in an infant school. I also fulfilled four years as a parent governor at Carter Community School in Poole. I am very much enjoying being back in the classroom as well as role alongside the pastoral team. I have four adult sons and two granddaughters. In my spare time I enjoy reading and tearing off down the A30 to my spiritual home of Cornwall where I managed a pub for several years.
Lottie Llewellyn
I always wanted to work with children and after completing my degree in 2013, I moved back to Dorset and got my first job in a school and have been working in schools ever since. I have worked as a 1:1 TA and classroom based TA before completing my ELSA training and becoming more pastoral based. I joined Bovington Academy in June 2025. It always makes me feel privileged to be able to support children and parents in some of their most tricky moments and I look forward to being able to support the families here.
HLTA
Kayleigh Guy
After 12 years of studying and working within education, I decided that it was time to follow my dreams and move to Dorset! Not one to do things by half, it was time for a new job, new home and new County! I became the newest member of the team in November 2022 when I started working as HLTA and this means that I have the privilege of working with every member of staff, class and all of the wonderful children here at Bovington! It’s a very special role which means that I teach across every subject area with every year group from Reception to Year 6. I am very passionate about music and drama and so there is never a day where you won’t hear me singing a tune or 6 and probably dancing along too! As you can imagine, music is therefore my favourite lesson to teach so I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to share my passion for music with your children. Feel free to come and say hi, whenever you see me around school – I can’t wait to meet you all!
Jenny Pyman
I relocated to Dorset in 2013 with my husband who serves in the military. We love living here and couldn’t think of a better place to raise our family.
Before moving I worked in a few educational settings in and around Berkshire. I have recently started in my role as an LSA and can’t wait to share my knowledge with the children in Bovington Academy.
In my spare time I love nothing more than spending the day on the beach and doing as much yoga as I can.
Learning support assistants
Helen Bartholomew
Hi, I am Mrs Helen Bartholomew. I have been working as a 1-1 LSA for going on 23 years. I have worked in Germany, Cyprus and England. I enjoy all aspects of my job especially seeing the children grow and develop as the years go by.
Helen Wiles
I have been a Learning Support Assistant for around 20 years, initially as a Parent Helper when my own daughters started school. I have worked in five different schools across the UK as I’ve followed my husbands’ career, and in so doing I have gathered a wealth of qualifications and a depth of experience. I have been with Bovington Academy for over 6 years and in addition to my LSA role, I also run the school’s Breakfast Club and until recently the After School Club too.
Claire Drakeford
I grew up in beautiful Dorset and have always been passionate about working with children. After completing my HND in Early Childhood studies at the University of Worcester I returned to Dorset to work in Early Years within a nursery setting. I then got married and moved to Germany where we started our family, and I am now a mum to three children. Our family have been posted in Bovington for eleven years with all three of my children attending Bovington Academy over the past ten years. I have recently joined the incredible team here at Bovington Academy as an LSA after many years working as an early year practitioner within a nursery setting. I really love working within the early years, I find it so exciting, and no two days are ever the same! It is a huge privilege to be a part of the children’s learning journey as they each grow into their own unique little characters, and I am passionate about supporting every child so that they are able to reach their full potential.
Maria Smeaton
I have been at Bovington for 10 years working as a 1:1 and LSA. Throughout my career, I have worked with children in a variety of professions from visiting families delivering an education program as a Portage Worker, to working on the children’s ward in the county hospital. I really enjoy the daily challenges of supporting children in their learning, watching them grow with their knowledge and confidence for their futures ahead.
Di Evans
I joined Bovington Academy in November 2022 initially as a lunchtime play leader whilst studying for a degree in Health Sciences. I began to help in the reception class with a child with autism where I soon felt part of the family. When that child moved out of the area I was encouraged to apply for the role in Year 6, where I am currently situated working with a small group of children finding ways to get the most out of their Year 6 experience!
Kim Chard
I am currently working as a Learning Support Assistant within the Year 1 classroom and have been in this role since joining the team at Bovington Academy in April 24. I have always wanted to work with children and decided upon a career change once my children were in school full time, I completed my Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in July 25. I feel privileged to be able to support and encourage all children who I work with as well as being able to be a part of their learning and development journey.
Kiri Alexander
I joined Bovington Academy in October 2024 as a 1:1 in Year 6 having relocated here with the military and now have the privilege of being an LSA in Year 3. I have been an LSA for 7 years and always enjoy seeing little smiley faces every morning. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Bovington Academy family, which is a community like no other. I look forward to watching all the children continue to bloom.
Alicia Glass
I joined Bovington Academy in June 2025, starting as a 1:1 learning support assistant and now working within the Year 4 classroom. With two children of my own at the school, I have seen first-hand the high standards and nurturing environment Bovington Academy provides. I feel very fortunate to now be part of the team, supporting children in their learning and helping them to reach their full potential.