Interim Headteacher

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Braintree; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant special school in Braintree is seeking a Headteacher to lead and sustain its ethos. Successful candidates will manage the school budget, ensure effective governance, and promote staff development. The role requires QTS and prior leadership experience. This position offers the chance to impact students' educational journey positively. Benefits include a supportive team environment and health and wellbeing cover.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing cover including counselling

Supportive staff team

Opportunities for positive impact on learner progress

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required.
• A relevant degree is necessary.
• Professional development preparatory for leadership roles is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the school budget and financial prioritisation.
• Line manage the senior leadership team.
• Collaborate with local authorities on learner placements.
• Lead strategic direction of the school.
• Ensure effective health and safety management.
• Coordinate with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on safeguarding.
• Oversee School Improvement plans.

Skills

QTS

Experience in leadership roles

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree

Professional development in leadership (e.g. NPQH)

Job description

Overview

• Address: The Edith Borthwick School, Braintree, Essex CM7 2YN
• Salary: LPS – 29-36
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Fixed Term for 2 years (secondments considered). Required from January 2026
• Reference: 7856

What is the main purpose of their role?

To establish and sustain the school’s ethos and strategic direction together with the governing board and through the consultation with the school community.

What will the job entail?

To promote a culture where learners experience a positive and enriching school life and enables them to access the curriculum. To establish and sustain a high-quality teaching across all subjects and phased based on evidence. To promote staff and learners safety and welfare through effective approaches to safeguarding, as part of duty of care. To ensure that staff have access to appropriate, high standard professional development opportunities. To understand and welcome the role of effective governance, including accepting responsibility.

Your Responsibilities

• Manage the school budget in liaison with the school business manager. Financial prioritisation.
• Line manage an experienced senior leadership team
• Work collaboratively with the local authority around learner placement and provision
• Lead and collaborate on the strategic direction of the school
• Ensure that Health and Safety and estates management systems are effective
• Work with DSL to ensure that safeguarding continues to be effective
• Work towards the outcomes on the School Improvement Plan
• Lead self-evaluation and development planning
• Uphold the ethos and values of the school

You Will Need

Additional and special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities

• QTS
• Degree
• Professional development in preparation for a leadership role (e.g. NPQH)

About Us

The Edith Borthwick School is a large, vibrant 3-19 special school where we have a broad and exciting curriculum. We have a strong reputation within the community and boast a great site and facilities. We have high expectations of both learners and staff. It is an exciting place to work and develop, where creativity and innovation are nurtured. We really know our learners, and focus on them as individuals. Pastoral systems are strong and we value a curriculum offer and activities that educate the whole child.

What We Will Offer You

• Truly amazing learners
• Experience rich
• Enthusiastic and caring ethos
• Friendly and supportive staff team
• Opportunities to have a positive impact on learners’ progress
• Health and wellbeing cover including counselling and physiotherapy

For more information

Please read the Applicant Brochure (pdf). Please feel free to contact Claire Baker by calling 01376 529300. To find out more, please visit our website (Essex School Jobs).

How To Apply

To apply, please submit your completed Application Form by email to: [e-mail]

Closing date: 1 pm, 12 October 2025.

Interview date: 20 October 2025.

About The Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

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