Secondary Headteacher

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 108,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent secondary school located in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Headteacher to lead its team and drive educational improvement. The ideal candidate will have strong emotional intelligence, a holistic understanding of education, and a commitment to fostering community engagement. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and is a unique opportunity to shape the future of its students. Applications must be submitted online before the closing date of January 14, 2026.

Benefits

Employee benefit system

Cycle to Work scheme

Local government pension

Qualifications

• Proven experience in educational leadership and management.
• Strong ability to foster high expectations and improvement.
• Commitment to community involvement and student welfare.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team of educators.
• Drive continued improvement within the school.
• Ensure every student thrives in an inclusive environment.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Leadership skills

Holistic approach to education

Community engagement

Job description

• Chantry Academy
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9LR
• Salary: £108,202 - £125,345 per annum
• Hours: Full time
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 8237

Are you ready to lead with purpose?

Chantry Academy, a successful and inclusive secondary school in Ipswich, is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Headteacher to lead their dedicated team. This is a pivotal role for an ambitious leader who can drive continued improvement, foster a culture of high expectations and ensure every student thrives.

We are looking for:

• a people leader – someone who leads with emotional intelligence and who knows how to inspire, motivate and bring others with them
• an experienced educator with a broad and holistic approach to education
• someone who values the power of community and is committed to making a real difference beyond the classroom.

Our people‑first philosophy

At Active Learning Trust, everyone is valued in their role, and we make sure that the right people have the right opportunities to find their purpose and progress within our trust. We love working with specialists that are passionate about shaping the future of education. Guided by our values of open dialogue, bold thinking and collaboration, we put our staff’s growth and well‑being at the heart of everything we do – so that they can focus on making a real difference in our schools and our communities.

Why join our trust?

• belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play
• join an experienced group of people that are fully dedicated to delivering the best for our children
• gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and local government pension.

To find out more

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Duncan Low, Director of Education via email at: [e-mail].

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 14 January 2026.

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

The Active Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to actively share this commitment. All adults working in our trust in whatever capacity will be part of a thorough safer recruitment process. All appointments will be subject to pre‑employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.

We only accept applications submitted online via MyNewTerm, our chosen applicant tracking system, and which are completed before the closing deadline. Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.