Headteacher

Suffolk County Council; Diss; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopton C of E Primary Academy in Diss is seeking a passionate Headteacher to lead our village school with a warm, welcoming ethos. You will collaborate with staff, families and church partners to build on strengths and drive improvement, while maintaining direct involvement in children's learning.

The role includes teaching part time (2 days a week initially) and leading strategic direction, ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing remain at the heart of school life.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status
• Degree
• National professional qualification for headship (NPQH) Desirable

Responsibilities

• provide inspirational and effective leadership for the whole school
• be a visible and approachable presence within the school and wider community
• teach part time as necessary alongside leading the school, maintaining a strong connection with classroom practice and children's learning
• develop a positive culture where children and staff feel valued, supported and able to flourish
• work closely with families and the local community to strengthen the school's already strong community links
• build on the school's relationship with the local church and its Christian ethos
• work collaboratively with colleagues across Elveden Schools Trust, benefiting from the support, expertise and opportunities available within the trust
• continue to develop high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils
• ensure that safeguarding, inclusion and the wellbeing of children and staff remain at the heart of school life.

Skills

Qualified teacher status

Degree

NPQH

Education

Degree

NPQH

Job description

• Hopton C of E Primary Academy
• Address:Diss, Norfolk IP22 2QY
• Salary:L6 – L18
• Hours:32.5 hours per week
• Contract:Fixed Term from 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2027
• Reference:5478

Hopton C of E Primary Academy is looking for a passionate, committed and inspirational Headteacher to lead our warm, welcoming village school.

You will be an approachable and visible leader who is passionate about providing an excellent education for every child. You will work closely with our dedicated staff team, children, families, Local Academy Committee, the local community and our church partners to build on the school's strengths and continue its journey of improvement.

Your responsibilities

There is an element of teaching as part of this Headteacher role, initially 2 days a week, offering the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with the enjoyment of being directly involved in children's learning.

You will:

• provide inspirational and effective leadership for the whole school
• be a visible and approachable presence within the school and wider community
• teach part time as necessary alongside leading the school, maintaining a strong connection with classroom practice and children's learning
• develop a positive culture where children and staff feel valued, supported and able to flourish
• work closely with families and the local community to strengthen the school's already strong community links
• build on the school's relationship with the local church and its Christian ethos
• work collaboratively with colleagues across Elveden Schools Trust, benefiting from the support, expertise and opportunities available within the trust
• continue to develop high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils
• ensure that safeguarding, inclusion and the wellbeing of children and staff remain at the heart of school life.

What you will need:

• Qualified teacher status
• Degree
• National professional qualification for headship (NPQH) Desirable

About us

As a small village school, Hopton offers something special: a close-knit community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

In return, we can offer you:

• A warm and welcoming village school community
• A dedicated and supportive staff team
• The opportunity to have a genuine and visible impact on the lives of children and families
• Support and collaboration from colleagues across Elveden Schools Trust
• Opportunities for professional development and wider Trust leadership
• The opportunity to shape the future of a special village school.

For more information

Please read the Job Description (pdf).

To find out more, please contact Jo Whiting by calling 01953 681449.

Closing date: 12pm, 2 October 2026.

Interview date: 7 October 2026.