Headteacher

Suffolk County Council; Bungay; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Castle EAST School in Bungay, Suffolk seeks an exceptional Headteacher to shape the next chapter of the school’s development. This is a unique opportunity to combine school leadership with Trust-wide SEND expertise and system-level influence.

The Headteacher will lead a specialist provision for pupils aged 9–16 with autism and communication needs, building on the school’s outstanding Ofsted earlier, while collaborating across EAST Trust to drive excellence and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Leadership and strategy development for a SEND school.
• Ability to lead inclusion and transformation in a specialist environment.
• Strong communication and partnership skills with families, governors and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership for Castle EAST School and its community.
• Develop a culture of excellence, inclusion and belonging.
• Ensure strong academic, social and emotional outcomes for pupils.
• Lead and develop a dedicated staff team.
• Collaborate with families, governors, and external agencies.

Job description

• Castle EAST School
• Address: Hillside Road East, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1JS
• Salary: L18 – L24
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 5293

As Headteacher, you will work closely with the Trust's Director of SEND to build upon Castle EAST School's strong foundations, ensuring that the school remains ambitious, innovative and responsive to the changing needs of pupils, families and the wider SEND landscape. This close partnership provides a distinctive opportunity to combine school-based leadership with Trust-wide SEND expertise and system-level influence.

At Castle EAST School, we believe that every child deserves a place where they feel understood, valued and able to thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead the next chapter in the development of our transformational specialist school. This is a unique opportunity to build on the success of a school that was judged Outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection following opening, whilst shaping the future of one of Suffolk's most distinctive educational communities.

Castle EAST School is a specialist provision for pupils aged 9–16 with autism and communication and interaction needs. At the heart of our work is a commitment to personalised learning, high aspirations, meaningful relationships and preparing young people for successful adult lives.

As part of EAST, you will join a family of schools committed to excellence, inclusion and collaboration. You will lead a dedicated staff team, work closely with families and governors, and help ensure that every pupil receives the education, support and opportunities they deserve.

As Headteacher, you will:

• provide inspirational leadership for the school community
• continue to develop a culture of excellence, inclusion and belonging
• ensure strong outcomes for pupils academically, socially and emotionally
• lead and develop a talented and committed staff team
• work in partnership with families, governors, the Director of SEND and external agencies
• champion the needs and aspirations of autistic children and young people
• drive continual improvement and innovation whilst preserving the values and ethos that make Castle EAST special
• play a key role within the wider EAST Trust family and contribute to Trust- wide developments in SEND and inclusion.

For more information

Please read the Recruitment Pack (pdf).

Please contact Anna Mears via Ashley Elder by calling 01986 808651 or by emailing [e-mail].

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission is encouraged.

Closing date: 12pm, 31 August 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026