Emily Thompson appointed Executive Headteacher at Marleigh Primary Academy and Fen Ditton Community Primary School

The two Cambridge schools, part of Anglian Learning, have welcomed their new Executive Headteacher this month. 

Emily, who brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, will work across both schools with a new executive leadership team, helping them to continue as a strong community hub for families.  

Emily is known for her passion for developing a well-rounded curriculum and creating opportunities for pupils to thrive both academically and personally. She said, “An executive leadership model allows schools to strengthen their curriculum and pastoral offers, and work more efficiently in several areas, which allows for better opportunities and experiences for pupils of all backgrounds.   

“Every child matters. I pride myself on knowing pupils as individuals, and nothing is better than celebrating their achievements with them and guiding them on their educational journey”.  

Her leadership career began at Grendon Underwood Combined School, where she took on subject leadership responsibilities and completed her National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). 

She later became a deputy headteacher, contributing to the development of a new school in Aylesbury. Emily’s leadership experience during this time included safeguarding, Special Educational Needs (SEN), and pupil premium responsibilities. She also gained her SENCO qualification while overseeing the school’s growth to a full capacity of 420 pupils. 

Following a relocation to Northamptonshire, Emily served as executive deputy for an academy trust in Wellingborough, where she was soon promoted to Acting Head of School, then Head of School, and ultimately Executive Headteacher for two schools. 

On Emily’s appointment, Rachael Johnston, Director of Primary Education for Anglian Learning, said, “I am so pleased to be welcoming Emily to Marleigh and Fen Ditton’s communities. Emily’s commitment to inclusivity resonates well with Anglian Learning’s ‘Belonging by Design’ initiative, which aims to help our most vulnerable pupils feel a sense of place at their school, no matter their background. 

“Given Emily’s previous successes, we are confident she will steer both schools to excellence and use her expertise to further empower colleagues and pupils to achieve the very best”. 

To find out more about Marleigh Primary Academy, please visit: https://marleighprimary.org/  

To find out more about Fen Ditton Community Primary School, please visit: https://fendittonprimary.org/