Claire Bolton joins the initiative following eight years working on Government contracts to aid small-to-corporate business expansion, innovation, job creation and skills training. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the partnership having spent her early career within wide-ranging policy and delivery roles in local and central government.


Keen to enhance the school’s profile and reputation, Claire’s new role will focus on establishing and developing relationships with businesses across a range of sectors, including public/government organisations and voluntary/community initiatives.


Already widely known across Sutton Coldfield as an ex-pupil of John Willmott Grammar School (JWGS), Claire’s marriage to Old Veseyan Geoff Bolton (OV1971) has given her an in-depth understanding of the school and the needs of its partners.  


A Trustee of the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and Chair of St Paul’s Hostel for the Homeless in Worcester, Claire is also well-known for her community work, hosting a table at the Veseyans RFC Business Lunch annually.


Business Development Consultant, Claire commented: “It’s great to join the Corporate Partnership, which supports a school I am closely connected to and a number of local businesses that add a lot of value to the community.


“Having been involved with a number of local initiatives and organisations in the past, my activity within the community has allowed me to build and develop LASTING relationships with individuals and businesses who also care about promoting collaboration within the area.


“Combining this understanding of the community with my own professional knowledge and experience, I’m hoping to help the already successful Corporate Partnership grow further and attract new partners.


“I’m looking forward to working closely with Brian and the wider team of pupils, staff and parents, helping new and existing partners to build working relationships within the partnership, while supporting the overall development of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.”


Development Director, Brian Davies said: “We’re delighted to add Claire’s wealth of knowledge and experience to our internal team, and we’re certain she’ll be a great addition to the growing partnership.


“Our partners will benefit from having an experienced Business Development Consultant on-hand, who has a great understanding of the local community and the professional knowledge to perform within the role.


“Members will have the opportunity to meet Claire and discuss future plans for the partnership when we resume our networking schedule at the beginning of the new academic year in September.”