Mrs Kay Swann, 65, was born in Kenya, grew up in Norfolk and Australia and gained a degree in English from the University of London.
Kay said: “I have enjoyed my career which began in Norfolk as an infant teacher, it took me to Hertfordshire, Scotland, Paris and Budapest before returning to Norfolk to take up the Reception class teaching post at Cawston in 1995.
“My career has included adult education for the Scottish penal service, teaching English as a foreign language in France, starting a bi-lingual nursery in Hungary and two and half years working across Norfolk schools with the Literacy Advisory team.
“It has been a privilege to be the Headteacher at Cawston Church of England Primary and to work with the whole school community to achieve many successes over the years.”
The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich said: “Mrs Swann has been a dedicated educator and we have been privileged that she has shared her gifts and expertise in this diocese, helping to create caring learning communities of fun and delight, which are underpinned by being reflective places where God’s presence is at the heart of their friendliness. I wish her every blessing in her well-earned retirement.”
The school, which is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education Academies Trust (DNEAT), gained a Good Ofsted rating in 2019 and Good SIAMS inspection in 2015 as well as being a Green Flag Eco School for the past 15 years, making the most of its superb school grounds.
Kay is proud of the way the school has worked together to support staff, families and children. On COVID-19, she said: “This past year has meant that schools have had to continually re-invent their ways of operating.”
Kay agrees that it will be hard to leave the job, as she will miss everyone, but that Cawston Primary, with its strong family ethos, has a bright future ahead.
“I’ve loved my years at Cawston, especially seeing so many children make progress, gain confidence and develop their talents. I have also seen my Reception pupils bring their own children to join our school so maybe it is time to hand over the reins!”
On her retirement she said: “I will look forward to a freer ‘timetable’ for some new hobbies and to seeing more of my own children who live in Plymouth and Australia, once travel is allowed.”
Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education Academies Trust said: “Mrs Swann’s impact at Cawston Primary Academy has been immense. One of her most impressive achievements has been to always keep right at the cutting edge of developments in learning and curriculum, meaning that children in her care have continued to receive an excellent education over a significant number of years. On several occasions Mrs Swann has also contributed to the development of other academies and leaders by sharing the excellent practise she has developed at Cawston. I, and the entire DNEAT family, will miss her significant contribution and we of course wish her the very best for her retirement.’’
