Our Heads of School

Kim Bramley - St Edmundsbury C of E Primary Academy

Kim is an experienced senior leader with a proven track record across a diverse range of mainstream schools, working with pupils across all year groups and phases. Throughout her career, Kim has developed her senior leadership role including working towards Head of School. Kim greatly values working not only with children, but also in close partnership with staff, families, governors and the wider community, recognising the vital role each plays in the success of a school.

Her approach to leadership and teaching is grounded in the belief that kindness, respect and strong relationships are central to successful schools. The St Edmundsbury school vision — “encourage one another and build each other up” — underpins all aspects of school life, shaping a culture where pupils feel safe, valued and challenged, and where staff are supported to grow and thrive.

Kim strongly believes that schools sit at the heart of their communities. Building meaningful connections with families, local organisations and the wider community is essential in creating a warm, inclusive environment with a strong family feel. By working closely with parents and carers and valuing the unique context of our local area, she aims to ensure that the school is a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.

She is passionate about high-quality teaching, inclusive practice and developing others through collaborative leadership. Working within the Elveden Schools Trust allows Kim the opportunity to share expertise, learn from others and contribute to a collective moral purpose that ensures the very best outcomes for all children.

Jo Whiting - Hopton C of E Primary Academy

Jo gained a First Class Honours degree in Early Childhood Studies at The University of Derby, before completing a PGCE at the UEA. Jo has dedicated her young life to working with children in the jobs and experiences she has had to date, such as working in holiday clubs for children with SEND and for those with challenging behaviour. Jo has always been dedicated to having a career in Education with children since her own primary years. Whilst on her PGCE, Jo worked in a  deprived area working with children with challenging behaviour. It was this school that she worked for nearly ten years following this. It was this role that taught her the importance of developing relationships and Inclusion. In that role, she worked as EYFS and KS1 lead as well as leading on Early Phonics and Reading which from her second year of teaching. These are two specialisms of Jo. Following these roles, Jo became Assistant Headteacher at this school. She brings a range of experiences working with a large Senior Leadership Team to her role at Hopton. Working with families, ensuring they have a high quality curriculum as well as ensuring they have opportunities to develop to work on their own goals is important.  

Jo started at Hopton C of E Primary Academy in April 2025. She brings a wealth of experience and has supported the school in joining the Elveden Schools Trust. She is excited to see where the school will go next and is dedicated to working with the Hopton community to make a difference to families and communities.