After guiding thousands of pupils through their first years of education during her 34-year career, our Executive Headteacher has decided it’s time to retire.

Louise Jackson became Executive Headteacher of Heacham Infants, Heacham Juniors, and Snettisham Primary in 2018. She is also Lead for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the West Norfolk Academies Trust, of which the three schools are part.

“The most rewarding part of working within these school communities is seeing so many children grow and go on to become great, young adults – succeeding in what they do and making their own steps in the world,” said Mrs Jackson, who will stand down in December.

“It has been a privilege to work across our Trust schools to support learners in EYFS and with additional needs.

“All our staff are amazing, and work so hard to develop the environment, classrooms, resources, and curriculum to make sure every child can shine. It has been wonderful to be involved.

Mrs Jackson started her teaching career in London in 1992, before moving to Norfolk in 2002 and started working at Snettisham Primary in 2003. She has worked for WNAT since 2016.

“There have been so many memorable moments over the years working across the schools, where we all come together to do something special, such as community PTA events, carol singing at the local churches, beach visits, trips to London, competitions, and celebration assemblies,” she continued.

“It’s also been about those little moments of success too – someone cutting out a carefully drawn picture or spending time balancing bricks as high as themselves. Those small steps are so memorable.

“I will miss the chatting, smiles, and kindness that our families, pupils, and staff bring to school each and every day. Working in our schools is such a rewarding experience, and I feel very grateful to have had opportunities to contribute.

“I’m now looking forward to enjoying our beautiful location, reading all the books I have piled up, walking my dog, and enjoying the garden.”

Colleagues were keen to pay tribute to Mrs Jackson, as she announced her retirement plans.

“Louise has been an exceptional leader and a true cornerstone of our Primary Education Team at the West Norfolk Academies Trust,” said Trust CEO Andy Johnson. “Her dedication to the children of Heacham and Snettisham, alongside her tireless advocacy as our Trust Lead for EYFS and SEND, has left an incredible legacy.

“She has consistently ensured that every child, regardless of their needs, is given the best possible start to their education.

“While we will miss her expertise, leadership, and warmth immensely when she retires in December, we are deeply grateful for everything she has done for our schools. We wish her a very happy and well deserved retirement.”

The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Roger Livesey, added: “On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to extend our profound thanks to Louise for her outstanding dedication to the Trust. Successfully guiding three schools as an executive headteacher requires immense skill, resilience, and compassion – qualities Louise has demonstrated every single day.

“Her hard work has significantly enriched the educational landscape of West Norfolk, and positively shaped the lives of countless young people in our local communities.

“We congratulate her on a fantastic career, and wish her the very best in her next chapter.”