Head of School

Suffolk County Council; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Bury St Edmunds seeks a Head of School to lead a vibrant primary school committed to educational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a strategic vision for academic success and the ability to inspire both pupils and staff. The role offers competitive salary and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Caring community of staff and families

Qualifications

• Clear vision for improving pupils' outcomes.
• Ability to engage positively with stakeholders.
• Capability to challenge pupils to achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Executive Headteacher.
• Ensure relevant and broad learning experiences.
• Build new and existing relationships in the community.

Skills

Vision for educational excellence

Effective communication

Strategic vision for school effectiveness

Ability to inspire and motivate

Job description

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Job Description

• Great Whelnetham CE Primary School
• Address: Stanningfield Road, Great Whelnetham, Suffolk IP30 0UA
• Salary: £51,773 - £57,137 per annum (Leadership 1 - Leadership 5)
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent, required from 13 April 2026 (negotiable to accommodate notice periods)
• Reference: 8125

We have a wonderful opportunity to recruit a Head of School within our beautiful, vibrant rural primary school in Great Whelnetham, Suffolk. Great Whelnetham Primary School continues to make exceptional progress and we have recently been awarded a ‘Good’ standard through Ofsted. We are immensely proud of the education that we provide for all our children.

The board of governors, staff, pupils and parents are looking to recruit a special candidate who can work alongside our Executive Headteacher and who has:

• a clear vision for educational excellence and a passion for improving pupils' outcomes.
• the ability to offer rich and varied opportunities, thus ensuring relevant and broad learning experiences for every pupil.
• an innovative, strategic vision for school effectiveness, inclusion and wellbeing; and the influence of these on pupil outcomes.
• the ability to communicate effectively and engage positively with children, parents, staff and governors.
• the personal skills to build on existing relationships and develop new ones within the school, our Multi Academy Trust, the Diocese and the wider community.
• the vision to identify strengths and weaknesses, using them to further develop the potential of pupils and staff.
• the capability to inspire, motivate and enthuse both pupils and staff.
• high expectations to ensure that pupils are motivated, inspired and challenged to achieve their full potential.

In return we can offer you:

• friendly and experienced colleagues who take pride in their work and actively seek ways to improve their practice
• a calm, purposeful working environment with delightful, well-behaved children who are eager to learn
• the opportunity to be part of a trust that is committed to professional development, where the right teacher can progress throughout their career
• supportive parents and governors.

We value continuous professional development and this role is open to candidates with experience or those willing to take the next step in their career. We have a very committed and professional team involving teachers, support staff and governors all working together to give our school a real family feel.

If you would like an informal discussion prior to submitting your application, you are welcome to contact Marc Gilber, Executive Head teacher on [e-mail].

To find out more

Viewings of the school are highly recommended. Please contact the school office on 01284 386203 to make an appointment with Marc Gilbert.

How to apply

Please read the job description, person specification and application guidance notes before completing the application form and recruitment monitoring form.

Completed applications to be returned to Marc Gilbert, Executive Headteacher [e-mail].

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.

Closing date: 9am, 11 December 2025.

Interview date: 15 December 2025.

We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applicants. Please ensure you submit an application at your earliest convenience.

About the Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.

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