Homegrown Talent Case Study
January 26, 2024
At Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, we pride ourselves on staff training and pursuing a career through our Trust. In her own words, Sarah explains her journey working at a valued church school in Norfolk to becoming Executive Head of two primaries.
“I joined the DNEAT family in 2015 as Head of School at Gooderstone Church of England Primary Academy. In 2018 I was thrilled to become the Executive Head of The Churchside Federation. Two academies to run as my first dive in to Headship was daunting, but DNEAT provided me with lots of support and I never felt alone.
Over the years DNEAT has invested in me with a variety of CPD including a NPQSL and the NPQEL I have just completed.
I have also had many opportunities to share my practice throughout the Trust and beyond. This has involved speaking at conferences, sharing my approach to the curriculum, mentoring new heads and supporting others schools with a variety of different things. Being able to contribute to the MAT on many different levels has made me feel confident in my skill set and valued as part of the larger team beyond my academies.
The beauty of being in a MAT is the wealth of knowledge available to you; there is always someone on hand who can help you. This support network was invaluable during our recent Ofsted (it was GOOD). It came in many forms, from our AGEP (Academies Group Executive Principal) to the offers of support from other Heads.
Overall, this role has been incredibly challenging and thoroughly enjoyable in equal measures. No two days are ever the same and I am forever discovering and learning new things, I know I will never be bored!
My journey at DNEAT has been very interesting so far and I look forward to where it takes me next.”
Sarah Godbold, Executive Headteacher, Mundford and Gooderstone Church of England Primary Academies – part of The Churchside Federation