New headteacher takes charge at St Helen’s School in Abbotsham
Katie Kerr-Brown, the new headteacher at St Helen's School in Abbotsham, has been drawn to the warmth of its community and the dedication of its staff, and is committed to ensuring every child feels valued and included.
A new headteacher has taken charge of St Helen’s Church of England School in Abbotsham, having been drawn to the warmth of its community and the dedication of its staff.
Katie Kerr-Brown joins the North Devon primary from Ruth Miskin Training, where she helped schools improve reading, writing and spelling. Her role included training teachers and school leaders, analysing pupil progress data and supporting school improvement.
Before that, Ms Kerr-Brown held teaching and leadership roles in primary schools across Devon. Her experience includes leading English and reading, safeguarding, curriculum development and staff coaching. She is also a qualified Level 2 coach in both cricket and rowing.
At St Helen’s, she is keen to build on the school’s strengths by working closely with pupils, families, staff and the wider community. She is committed to ensuring every child feels valued and included, with access to excellent teaching and opportunities to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.
The school’s Christian vision, expressed through its values of Love, Learn and Serve, will continue to guide its work, alongside its focus on character education, outdoor learning and helping pupils become inspiring change makers.
Ms Kerr-Brown said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be the headteacher of St Helen’s. From the moment I visited the school, I was struck by the warmth of the community, the dedication of the staff and the wonderful children who make St Helen’s such a special place.
“Every child deserves great teaching, every day, and I want our pupils to experience engaging, ambitious learning that develops not only their knowledge but also their confidence, creativity and love of learning. Just as importantly, I want every child to feel that they belong at St Helen’s, that they are supported and included, and that there is an adult here who believes in them.
“I’m looking forward to working with our children, families, staff and the wider Learning Academy Partnership community to build on the school’s many strengths and help every child realise what they are capable of achieving.”
Tracey Cleverly, Trust Lead at Learning Academy Partnership, said: “We are not only delighted that St Helen’s has joined our family of schools, we are thrilled to have Katie leading St Helen’s. Her experience in school leadership and English, alongside her commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and supported, will be a real asset to the children. We look forward to working with Katie as she leads the school into its next chapter.”