Principal of Thetford primary academy to step down next year

The principal of the Diamond Academy in Thetford has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the school year.

Lee Francis joined the primary school, formerly the Queensway Community Junior School, in September 2013 and was praised by Ofsted for ‘decisive action’ to improve the academy in a report in May.

However, a letter from the chair of governors Joyce Hodgetts said the ‘significant distance’ Mr Francis travels to work every day had forced him to make the difficult decision.

In the letter she said: “Lee has struggled with how best to manage this situation as I know he loves working with you and the children of Diamond Academy.

“However it with great regret that he has decided to accept a post nearer to his home and will therefore be leaving us on 31 August 2015.”

Mr Francis will be replaced by current vice principal Chris Mackinnon, who joined the school last year. The pair were praised by Ofsted as a ‘very effective team’.

Ms Hodgetts said: “As you all know, since joining us a year ago as vice principal, Chris has done a superb job supporting Lee to bring about the change that was recognised by Ofsted last term.”

The school, run by the Academy Transformation Trust, will shortly be advertising for a new vice principal.