Long Stratton’s St Mary’s Junior School ready for fresh start as new headteacher takes up role

A teacher has been promoted to the top role within her school, 15 months after joining.

Laura Richardson made the move to St Mary’s Junior School in Long Stratton in September 2022, having previously worked at Diss Junior Academy.

On her appointment as headteacher, Miss Richardson said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to continue to develop the foundations that we have put in place over the last 15 months.

“With the support of colleagues in the trust and the school team, I have confidence that every child at St Mary’s will have access to high quality teaching and learning, opportunities to participate in aspirational experiences through a broad and balanced curriculum and develop to be good, global citizens.

“I look forward to working at St Mary’s as we embark on our journey to good and beyond.

“I have a hardworking and committed team who are passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to soar.”

Richard Cranmer, chief executive of St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust, said: “One of the many joys of my job is to see colleagues like Miss Richardson journey from being a middle leader to senior leader and then on to headteacher.

“She has a hunger and tenacity to be the very best she can be and her sole objective in her work is to ensure that no child in her school gets left behind and everyone is able to flourish.

“In the current educational climate, there is no better example of ‘growing your own leaders’ and I look forward to seeing St Mary’s thrive under her leadership.”