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Meet the Leadership Team

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Headteacher - Mrs. Jessica Balls

Jessica has over 15 years of experience in Primary settings, over 12 of them in leadership. She has experience of working within a large Multi-Academy Trust in school improvement. She started Wroughton Academies in September 2024. She is committed to ensuring that children have the knowledge, understanding and skills to be confident and successful. Jessica wants to create a culture where children and adults inspire each other everyday, and where laughter and learning go hand in hand. Every child matters and has the right to access a happy, safe and healthy environment to enable them to achieve their full potential and get the best preparation for their future. Outside of school Jessica enjoys exploring the Norfolk beaches with her family, reading a good novel and going to the cinema. 

Deputy Headteacher - Mr. Mark Thompson

Mark has a 25 year background in educational leadership, spanning Further, Secondary and Primary sectors. He is passionate about developing the whole child so that all pupils leave school with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Outside of school, Mark is currently English Half Ironman Champion and has been selected for Team GB Triathlon next year. He is the serving Deputy Headteacher and oversees Curriculum and Assessment, Attendance and the pastoral care of children in Year 4.

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Assistant Headteacher - Mrs. Laura Smith

Laura has recently moved to Norfolk and has taught at an outstanding school for the past five years. She is particularly passionate about ensuring all children become mathematicians and find enjoyment in the everyday applications of maths. Additionally, Laura wants all children to have an enriching experience at Wroughton Academies developing their resilience, fostering skills and raising their future aspirations. Laura is currently overseeing enrichment and personal development, maths, communications and links with parents and the wider community and the pastoral care of children in Year 3. Outside of school, Laura keeps bees and enjoys collecting honey, reading thriller books and long walks with her dog.  

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Assistant Headteacher - Ms. Carrie Parker

Carrie has worked in education for 20 years, initially in middle schools but mostly in primary settings. During this time, she has held many different positions but has been in senior leadership for the last 10 years, where she has been responsible for raising educational standards at the end of Key Stage Two. She is passionate about improving education for all pupils and ensuring that every child leaves primary school with the skills they need to flourish in High School and beyond.

When not at work, she loves spending time with family and friends - making memories; travelling; attending live music events and going to the cinema and theatre.

Assistant Headteacher - Mr. James Wyer

James is currently in his 10th year of teaching. James has worked at schools in the local area and knows the importance of what Wroughton children can add to our community. He has a passion for ensuring children develop a love of learning during their time in primary school. James also enjoys teaching phonics and giving children the tools to explore reading. Outside of school James enjoys quality family time as well as playing golf. He is Assistant Headteacher and oversees Teaching and Learning and pastoral care of Key Stage 1.

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Mrs. Emma Sims - EYFS Leader

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Miss. Laura Gosling - SENCO

Laura has been a teacher for 8 years. She joined Wroughton Academies as a Year 1 teacher in September 2021 and completed a national SENCO qualification in November 2023 before becoming SENDCo at Wroughton in January 2024. She is passionate about all pupils having the same opportunities in life and that no pupil is excluded from receiving an education. Outside of school Miss Gosling enjoys baking, sewing, and travelling. She is the SENDCo across both the Infant and Junior Academies and oversees the SEND provision throughout the school as well as working alongside Norfolk County and other external agencies to get the right support for every child. 

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Mrs. Michelle Mann - Designated Safeguarding Lead

Michelle has over 28 years of experience in safeguarding initially within the local authority. Michelle joined Wroughton Academies in 2018 as Designated Safeguarding Lead, her role is to make sure that school and colleagues adhere to their statutory safeguarding policies and duties. Michelle is passionate about ensuring all our children feel safe.  Outside of school Michelle enjoys quality time with family and friends.