Vicky Pickford

It is a privilege to be the Headteacher of Watlington Primary School and to lead such a vibrant and ambitious school. Having previously lived in Watlington for ten years and worked at Icknield for the past sixteen, I am deeply committed to our community and to helping every child achieve our vision of creating Bright Futures.

I hold a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Bristol and a PGCE from Oxford Brookes University. Before beginning my career in education, I represented Great Britain in rowing. The resilience, determination, and teamwork I developed through elite sport continue to influence my approach to leadership and education.

Over the past 22 years, I have worked in secondary education, developing expertise in teaching and leadership. Throughout my career, I have become increasingly passionate about the importance of early educational experiences and the lasting impact they have on a child’s future success and wellbeing. This passion inspired my move into primary education, where I can help build strong foundations for learning, confidence, and a lifelong love of education from the very start of a child’s school journey.

As a parent of four children, I understand the importance of strong partnerships between home and school. I firmly believe that education has the power to inspire and empower young people, and that children thrive when they are surrounded by a supportive community.

As part of Acer Trust, I value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across our family of schools, sharing expertise, support and innovation to provide the very best opportunities for every child.