Headteacher

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity Schools Partnership is seeking a Headteacher for Glemsford Primary Academy in Suffolk. You will lead the school through its next chapter, setting direction, raising expectations and building a culture of excellence for every pupil.

The role requires successful leadership, a clear vision for high-quality teaching and an evidence-based approach to improvement, with strong collaboration with staff, families and partners to secure outstanding outcomes and an inclusive, welcoming school.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a primary school setting, either as a serving Headteacher or senior leader ready for Headship.
• Strong understanding of high-quality teaching, curriculum, assessment and inclusive practice.
• Experience in safeguarding, inclusion, and values of integrity and kindness.
• Ability to set direction, raise expectations and secure school improvement.
• Excellent communication with staff, families and external partners.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality in line with our values.

Skills

Headship experience

Primary leadership

Ofsted readiness

Data-driven improvement

Attendance improvement

Community liaison

Safeguarding commitment

Job description

Job Description

• Glemsford Primary Academy
• Address: Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7RF
• Salary: L12 - L18, £70,274 - £81,457 per annum
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent, required to start April or September 2027
• Reference: 5631

Could you be the kind, ambitious and community-minded Headteacher to lead Glemsford Primary Academy through its next chapter?

We are looking for an inspiring, values-led and child-centred leader with successful primary leadership experience, either as a serving Headteacher or a senior leader ready for the step up to Headship. You will bring the ability to set direction, raise expectations, strengthen culture and work with staff, families and the wider community to secure excellent outcomes for every pupil.

Glemsford Primary Academy is part of Unity Schools Partnership, a partnership of schools at the heart of our communities, working together so every child is known, included and receives a brilliant education that prepares them for a life of empowerment, fulfilment and success. Across our 40 primary, secondary and special schools in East Anglia and north-east London, we nurture ambition, collaboration and inclusion so that pupils and staff can flourish.

Why this role matters

Glemsford Primary Academy sits at the heart of its village community, with strong local links and a distinctive Grade II listed Victorian building that is an important part of the school's identity. The Headteacher will play the pivotal role in ensuring children belong, enjoy learning and develop the confidence, knowledge and fluency they need for the next stage of life. Working with the Trust, the school team, families and local partners, you will strengthen the school's culture, build on its traditions, remove barriers and lead with clarity, warmth and ambition so that pupils flourish as kind, confident citizens who celebrate difference and achieve beyond reasonable expectations.

You will bring:

• successful leadership experience in a primary school setting, either as a serving Headteacher or senior leader ready for the step up to Headship, with the ability to set direction, raise expectations and secure improvement
• a strong understanding of high-quality teaching, curriculum, assessment, inclusive practice and the requirements of the new Ofsted framework, alongside the confidence to use evidence and data well
• the professional knowledge needed to improve attendance, reduce barriers to learning and work effectively with families and external partners
• sound judgement, resilience and the ability to build strong relationships while maintaining professional challenge
• a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, equality and our values of integrity, inclusion and kindness
• the confidence to be visible and approachable within the school, making the most of the building, grounds and community links to create a positive experience for pupils, staff and families.

Why join us?

You will join a Trust where staff know their work matters and where ambition is nurtured through clear pathways, high-quality professional development and opportunities to grow, lead and extend impact across the Trust.

Supported by experienced Trust colleagues, you will have the autonomy to lead locally with purpose, ambition and care, while contributing to our shared ambition for schools to become routinely strong through high performance, deliberate collaboration and the capacity to support improvement across the wider education system.

For more information

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf)

To find out more about the school please visit our website.

Closing date: 9 am, 9 November 2026

Interview date: 20 November 2026

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part-time or as a job-share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups