Primary Headteacher in Ipswich

Primary Headteacher in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time 67800 - 82000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community, championing children's futures.
  • Company: Join the Active Learning Trust, a compassionate and inclusive educational organisation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, employee benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Visit our school to see our values in action and connect with our team.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape a supportive learning environment.
  • Qualifications: Experienced Headteacher with a heart-led leadership style.

The predicted salary is between 67800 - 82000 £ per year.

Location: Gusford Primary School

Salary: £78,702 – £91,158 (L18–L24)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Closing Date: 18 March 2026

Interviews: 26 & 27 March 2026

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Headteacher to join Gusford Primary School in Ipswich. If you are an experienced Headteacher ready for a new chapter filled with purpose, partnership and possibility, we would love to hear from you. This isn’t just a leadership position. It’s a chance to shape a school community, champion children’s futures, and create a place where every young person feels valued, inspired and supported to succeed.

What We Value in Our Next Headteacher

We are searching for a heart-led leader who truly believes in the power of education to transform lives, someone who understands that children flourish when they feel seen, safe and encouraged, and that staff thrive when trust, kindness and collaboration are part of everyday life. If you are the kind of leader who wants to make a difference and be part of something bigger, you will fit right in. Here, values aren’t statements on a wall; they are the way we show up, every day, for each other and for our children.

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. Guided by our values of open dialogue, bold thinking and supportive teamwork, we put our staff's growth and wellbeing 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 teacher pensions.

Contact

Visits to experience our wonderful school in action are warmly encouraged. For an informal conversation about this exciting opportunity, please contact Rae Aldous, Director of Primary Education (rae.aldous@activelearningtrust.org) or Duncan Low, Director of Education (duncan.low@activelearningtrust.org).

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.

The 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.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent. We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.

Primary Headteacher in Ipswich employer: Active Learning Trust

At Active Learning Trust, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that values the contributions of every staff member. As Headteacher at Gusford Primary School in Ipswich, you will join a compassionate and inclusive community dedicated to nurturing both students and educators alike. With a strong focus on professional growth, wellbeing, and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits such as the VivUp employee benefit system and a commitment to flexible working arrangements.
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Contact Detail:

Active Learning Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Primary Headteacher in Ipswich

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit Gusford Primary School. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you understand the school's culture and values better.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare your vision! Think about how you can shape the school community and champion children's futures. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you would create a supportive environment for both students and staff.

✨Tip Number 3

Connect with current staff! Reach out to teachers or staff members at the school to get insights into their experiences. This can give you valuable information to discuss during your interview and show that you value collaboration.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your commitment to joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Primary Headteacher in Ipswich

Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Empathy
Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Strategic Thinking
Commitment to Safeguarding
Adaptability
Community Engagement
Staff Development
Inclusivity
Visionary Thinking
Cultural Competence
Conflict Resolution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see how much you care about shaping young minds and creating a supportive school environment.

Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your true self in your application. We value heart-led leaders who are genuine and relatable, so share your personal experiences and what drives you as an educator.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our values and the specific role. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with our people-first philosophy – we love seeing candidates who get us!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, so don’t hesitate!

How to prepare for a job interview at Active Learning Trust

✨Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with those of Gusford Primary School. Be ready to discuss how you embody a people-first philosophy and how you can foster an environment where both children and staff feel valued and supported.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your heart-led leadership approach. Think about specific instances where you've championed children's futures or created a collaborative atmosphere among staff. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a real difference in the school community.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage in a dialogue. Ask thoughtful questions about the school's culture and how they support their staff's growth and wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in being part of their team and aligns with their values of open dialogue and supportive teamwork.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in a school setting. Prepare by thinking through potential situations you might face as a Headteacher and how you would address them, keeping the focus on trust, kindness, and collaboration.

Primary Headteacher in Ipswich
Active Learning Trust
Location: Ipswich
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