Dear Parent/Carer
As most of you will recall, Mr Pilkington made us aware in September that he intends to retire at the end of this academic year.
The governing board has been busy since September, planning and organising a recruitment campaign to find Mr Pilkington’s successor. On the 20th and 1st November, a 2 day interview process took place at the school, with candidates asked to carry out many activities including giving an assembly, teaching a lesson, conducting a learning walk, meeting the nursery and school council, together with written assessments and finalising with a presentation and a rigorous interview with governors and a representative from Suffolk County Council.
We are delighted to announce that following that process, the governing board has made the appointment, and Mrs Deaves will join Hadleigh Community Primary School in September 2025 as our new headteacher.
Rather than us tell you about Mrs Deaves, we asked if she would like to introduce herself.
Please read on to find out more.
Yours faithfully
Mandy Gowers, Chair of Governors
On behalf of the Governing Board
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Mrs. Deaves, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the next Headteacher who will be joining Hadleigh Community Primary School in September 2025.
I began teaching in 2010 and have had the privilege of working at my current school since 2015 which is where I began my journey into headship in April 2016. Prior to becoming a teacher, I studied Developmental Psychology, which has greatly influenced my approach to education. Understanding the unique developmental journey of each child is something I find both fascinating and incredibly rewarding, and it has helped me to work collaboratively with my Team to support children in ways that allow them to grow, learn, and flourish.
Hadleigh Community Primary School stood out to me as a truly special place, and this feeling was reaffirmed throughout all my conversations with staff and children during my visit and interview days. When meeting with the school council, HCPS was described as a big family, and I can’t think of a better environment to continue my career. I am excited to join such a warm, welcoming community, where every child is supported and valued.
I am committed to creating a positive, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, confident, and inspired to reach their full potential. Working closely with parents and carers will be essential to our shared success, and I am looking forward to building strong partnerships with you all. When I’m not at school, I am very family-focused. I have two wonderful stepdaughters and a terrific two-year-old, we often spend our free time cooking, baking or on days out exploring new places around the UK.
I am looking forward to working closely with Mr. Pilkington over the course of this academic year and getting to know you all better as I officially join Hadleigh in September 2025.
I am excited to begin this next chapter with you all.
Kind regards
Mrs Deaves