John is a native of Ennis. He attended Barefield N. S. under the watchful eye of his father Mr. Frank Burns who was Principal from 1957-1984. John attended St. Flannan's College and Mary Immaculate Training College, Limerick. He subsequently attended University College Galway, where he studied for his Masters Degree in Education. John was also awarded a Diploma in Computer Studies from the Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick.

John ensures that each child is equipped with an in-depth knowledge of the primary school curriculum before graduating to second level.

He started his teaching career in 1978 and was posted to Barefield N. S. in 1980 and was appointed to the position of Principal in 1984.