Embracing opportunity through secondment

Stacey Chapman-Burton, Deputy Headteacher at Linton Heights Junior School, completed a secondment to Marleigh Primary Academy during the Autumn term. The dynamic experience not only broadened her professional horizons, but also strengthened Trust-wide collaboration across Anglian Learning.

A journey from drama to leadership

Stacey’s journey into education began with aspirations to become a secondary school drama teacher. After gaining early experience as a one-to-one teaching assistant and completing the now-retired Graduate Training Programme, she discovered a passion for primary education. From there, her progression was swift, starting as a one-to-one teaching assistant, to classroom teacher, phase leader, senior teacher, and now Deputy Headteacher at Linton Heights Junior School.

With a keen interest in teacher training, Stacey saw the secondment to Marleigh Primary Academy as a natural next step: “It was a no-brainer really. I knew it would offer invaluable experience and give me insights I could bring back to Linton Heights Junior School.”

Stabilising and strengthening a new school

Marleigh Primary Academy, a new and growing school, presented Stacey with a unique challenge. Unlike her previous roles in more established settings, this secondment tasked her with helping to stabilise the school following staff changes and to support forward planning.

“I had never had the experience of helping establish a new school before,” she shared. “Being able to contribute to shaping its direction, while also learning from a new environment, was incredibly rewarding.”

Stacey described the experience as “equal parts challenge and reward,” allowing her to not only strengthen systems but also form new connections with staff and impact the development of the curriculum, an area she is especially passionate about.

Tangible impact and mutual learning

During her time at Marleigh Primary Academy, Stacey introduced new systems inspired by her work at Linton Heights Junior School, including the implementation of a house system that has been well-received by pupils. She also brought back effective ideas to Linton Heights Junior School, such as Marleigh Primary Academy’s first aid and playtime equipment systems, enhancing the school experience for both pupils and colleagues.

“There has been a lovely amount of sharing and collaboration,” she said. “I think that is what made the secondment so valuable, knowing I was contributing something meaningful while also growing professionally.”

Even after the secondment officially ended in January, Stacey continued supporting Marleigh Primary Academy during their recent Ofsted inspection, reinforcing the strong relationships she had built there.

Support and opportunities from Anglian Learning

Stacey praised Rachael Johnston, Director of Primary Education, and James Woodcock, Director of Education: Professional Learning and Curriculum, for their encouragement and ongoing support throughout the secondment. “I felt really honoured to be asked,” she said. “Rachael, James, and the wider central team consistently checked in on how things were going, and I had a debrief with Rachael near the end of the placement.”

She also highlighted the wider benefits of secondments within the Trust: “It is so important to go beyond a one-day school visit. Being immersed in a different setting gives you a much deeper understanding and impact.”

Her advice to others considering similar opportunities? “Take the plunge. It can be daunting, especially if you are settled, but you bring valuable experience, and it is an empowering opportunity for both learning and sharing good practice. It is so worth it.”

Building lasting connections and expanding influence

Since completing the secondment, Stacey has taken on more collaborative roles within Anglian Learning. She is now part of the Curriculum and Professional & Wellbeing strategic groups, and is contributing to Trust-wide training and conferences. She also continues to receive mentorship from Marleigh Primary Academy’s Executive Headteacher, Emily Thompson, helping her prepare for future leadership steps.

Reflecting on her experience, Stacey summed it up as: “Being able to step away temporarily and immerse yourself in another school while knowing you will return home, it is like having a security blanket while still pushing yourself to grow. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”