Headteacher

Suffolk County Council; Swaffham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Sodexo staff benefits package

Job summary

Swaffham Meadows Primary School, part of Sapientia Education Trust, is seeking a visionary Head of School to steer transformation and growth during an exciting period. The role focuses on delivering excellent outcomes for children, strengthening teaching and learning, and building a positive school culture.

As Head of School, you will lead with ambition, collaborate with the trust and wider stakeholders, and guide the school through its expansion plans and development of new facilities.

Qualifications

• Successful leadership experience within a primary setting.
• Proven track record of driving school improvement.
• High expectations for pupils, staff and outcomes.
• Passion for developing outstanding teaching and learning.
• Ability to build a positive, inclusive school culture.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Swaffham Meadows Primary School and drive its transformation and growth.
• Shape the school's future within Sapientia Education Trust.
• Lead a culture of high expectations, pupil outcomes, and staff development.
• Collaborate with trustees, senior leaders and the local community to deliver improvements.
• Oversee teaching and learning strategy to secure excellent outcomes for all pupils.

Skills

Leadership experience

Drive school improvement

High expectations for pupils and staff

Teaching and learning excellence

Culture building and inclusivity

Collaboration and relationship skills

Job description

• Swaffham Meadows Primary School


• Address: Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7HL


• Salary: Competitive Leadership Salary (L6-L10)


• Hours: Full time (1.0% FTE)


• Contract: Permanent


• Reference:5625

Lead a school. Shape its future.

Are you ready for the next stage in your career?

This is a rare opportunity to become Head of School at Swaffham Meadows Primary School during an exciting period of transformation and growth.

Having recently joined Sapientia Education Trust, the school has embarked on a new chapter with a refreshed identity, ambitious vision, and plans to expand from its current small-school setting towards one‑form entry, including the development of a new school building.

We're seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader who is passionate about school improvement, committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children, and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a growing school community.

What you'll bring:

• successful leadership experience within a primary setting


• a proven track record of driving school improvement


• high expectations for pupils, staff and outcomes


• a passion for developing outstanding teaching and learning


• the ability to build a positive, inclusive school culture


• strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.

Why join Sapientia Education Trust?

• extensive leadership support from experienced education professionals


• access to specialist expertise in curriculum, SEND, safeguarding and school improvement


• strong professional development opportunities across a growing trust of schools


• teachers' Pension Scheme and Sodexo staff benefits package


• the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a school with enormous potential.

If you're a visionary leader ready to build on strong foundations and help create something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.

For further information about the role, please download our Recruitment Pack (pdf).

Closing date:21 October 2026

Interview date: 23 October 2026

The trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. In accordance with the Department for Education's Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, references will be sought on all shortlisted candidates before interview.