Meet Mr Johnson

This term marks an exciting new chapter for Werrington Primary School, with a refreshed leadership team and new staff joining the school. At the helm is Headteacher David Johnson, working alongside Deputy Headteacher Kirsty Graham – a partnership with a strong track record of driving school improvement.

The school also begins the year with new curriculum plans in English and Maths, and a renewed focus on behaviour and community, all aimed at making Werrington a place where every child can thrive.

We caught up with Mr Johnson to learn more about his career journey, what drew him to Werrington, and the vision he brings for the future.

 

Could you tell us a little about your career background?

I started my career in Derbyshire before moving to Stamford, where I became a Phase Lead at St Gilbert’s. I was then promoted to Deputy Headteacher at Market Deeping Community Primary School, where I worked for ten years. During that time, I also became a KS2 Moderator and worked with Keystone as a consultant on curriculum design and writing development.

In January 2023, I became Headteacher at Cliffedale Primary School in Grantham, and now I’m very excited to be joining Werrington.

I was first inspired to become a teacher during a trip to Thailand, when I watched an outstanding teacher work with children in a floating village near Phuket. It was one of those moments that stays with you.

What attracted you to the Headteacher role at Werrington Primary?

I was looking for a fresh challenge, having spent most of my career in Lincolnshire. I had already met with the former CEO of Soke Education Trust and felt drawn to the ethos and vision of a smaller trust. I’d also heard very positive things about Werrington from colleagues, and when I visited the school, I felt an instant connection.

What’s your vision for Werrington over the next few years?

I want Werrington to be right at the heart of its local community – a place where children gain knowledge, develop skills for life, and grow into confident learners and global citizens. We are

already working on creating more ways for parents to be involved, and I want to ensure our curriculum is rich and vibrant, where diversity and difference are celebrated.

What will be your main priorities at the start of term?

First, I plan to conduct a full review of systems and processes and focus on rebuilding the home–school partnership. Working with staff, we’ll make sure we are supporting our SEND children and also extending challenge for pupils working at greater depth, so that every child can achieve their potential.

You’ve worked with Ms Kirsty Graham before – how will this partnership help shape Werrington?

Miss Graham and I have an excellent working relationship. In a previous school, we drove improvements that were validated by Ofsted and the local authority. We share a collaborative approach built on trust, and we’re confident this will help to build a united and highly effective team at Werrington.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of Soke Education Trust?

I’ve already spent time with my Soke Education Trust colleagues and have been impressed by the level of support across the team. The Trust’s approach is both professional and research-informed, and I’m looking forward to working closely with other Headteachers and leaders who have been very supportive during my induction.

With the introduction of the CUSP Curriculum and Ark Maths this September, what are the benefits you hope children, staff and parents will see?

These programmes are rooted in extensive research and come with the support of consultants to help us embed them effectively. They will strengthen our teaching of English and Maths at the core of the curriculum and, ultimately, lead to improved outcomes for children.

Why were curriculum changes needed?

When reviewing performance, it was clear that outcomes at Werrington had not been as strong as they could be. By making these changes and refining teaching practice, I believe we can – and will – achieve better results for our children.

Beyond curriculum, what other areas are you prioritising?

We’ve already launched a new behaviour policy, rooted in nurture and an understanding of trauma. This helps staff understand why some children might struggle to stay focused, while introducing clear, graduated consequences so expectations are consistent and families feel supported.

We have also added more positive rewards, and our new “Achievements in the Community” initiative is already proving popular. Children now share their medals and certificates in Celebration Assembly, which inspires others to try new activities outside school.

How important is the wider school community in your plans?

The wider school community is central to our success. We’ve begun improving communication, including refreshing our weekly newsletter and rolling out the SEESAW platform so children can share their learning with families each week. Parents will also be welcomed into school more

often, starting with a SEND coffee morning and opportunities to see books and classrooms before October’s parent consultation meetings.

What would you like families to know about your approach to communication?

We want families to feel involved and informed. We’ve strengthened our social media presence on Facebook and Instagram to showcase children’s learning and events. We recently raised more than £400 for Jeans for Genes Day, and in our first RE day we’ll be welcoming external speakers to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, as part of our diversity work.

Who or what motivates you as a Headteacher?

My motivation comes from the children and staff I work with, as well as my own family. My aim is simple: I want children to enjoy school, feel safe and respected, and grow in confidence every day.

And finally – what do you enjoy doing outside school?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, and supporting my football team, Charlton Athletic. Life is busy at home with four children, plus our cats and rabbits – but I wouldn’t have it any other way!