Mrs Parker's predecessor, Imelda Cooper, retired in July and although it is a challenging time for all schools, Mrs Parker is thrilled to be leading the school and has lots of exciting plans for the future.

Mrs Parker said “It has been very busy compiling risk assessments and preparing to re-open the school for all pupils but every minute has been enjoyable.”

Mrs Parker from Oulton Broad, was the SENCo and Deputy Headteacher of St Mary’s CofE Junior School in Long Stratton but being a practicing catholic, Mrs Parker was passionate about leading in a Catholic School. Mrs Parker said “I knew when I came to look around the school in February that this was the school I was meant to lead and already, only after being in school for a few days, I feel like I have been here for years.”

Mrs Parker will have the support of her Executive Headteacher Priscilla Crane and together they have begun to strategise key areas for school improvement to ensure St Mary’s goes from strength to strength. There have been several leadership changes in recent years and Mrs Parker wants to ensure that the pupils, parents, staff and governors of St Mary’s have a strong sense of stability, clear direction and ambition.