Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support 87 Church of England schools, impacting 14,000 pupils across Suffolk.
- Company: Join a supportive diocese committed to education and community welfare.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a rewarding impact on education and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while collaborating with passionate leaders and educators.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education and strong collaborative skills.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our mission is to support the 87 Church of England schools throughout Suffolk. As a diocese, we work closely with our schools which, together, educate 14,000 pupils. We are looking for an experienced education professional with successful senior leadership experience to lead our team from September, following the retirement of the current postholder. Based in Ipswich, but with travel throughout Suffolk, this post is both rewarding and varied and involves:
- Providing a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors
- Leading a small and highly effective team
- Leading the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes
- Promoting education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education
- Working across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff
- Working with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues
- Working as part of a strong and supportive network of national and regional Directors of Education and with the Church of England’s National Society for Education on policy development and issues
If you love schools and can demonstrate the following criteria we would love to hear from you:
- Successful experience as a senior leader in education
- Collaborative leadership and management skills
- The ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively
- A deep commitment to Church of England schools
Full-time – 35 hours per week
Permanently appointed from September 2026
Closing date: 9 February at 5.00pm 2026
We are an equal opportunities employer and the DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check.
The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all. Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Applications marked ‘Confidential Application’ should be sent to: HR at HR@cofesuffolk.org or by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich IP1 1UQ. Please note: Applications will only be accepted via our application form. Please do not apply directly from online jobsites or send CVs.
Diocesan Director of Education in Ipswich employer: Cofesuffolk
Contact Detail:
Cofesuffolk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Diocesan Director of Education in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those connected to the Church of England. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the diocese and its schools. Understand their values and challenges so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative leadership skills during discussions. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and worked with various stakeholders. We love to see teamwork in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Director of Education in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for. Highlight key responsibilities and skills that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Use Our Application Form: Remember, we only accept applications through our official form. It’s designed to capture all the info we need, so don’t skip it! Fill it out completely and thoughtfully to give us a clear picture of who you are.
Show Your Passion for Education: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting Church of England schools. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment and how you've made a difference in education. Let your passion shine through!
Proofread Before Submitting: Typos and errors can distract from your message. Take a moment to read through your application before hitting send. A polished application shows us that you care about the details and are serious about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cofesuffolk
✨Know Your Schools
Familiarise yourself with the 87 Church of England schools in Suffolk. Understand their unique challenges and successes, and be ready to discuss how you can support them as the Diocesan Director of Education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share specific examples of your collaborative leadership and management skills. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or solved a problem creatively, especially in an educational context.
✨Stay Updated on Education Policies
Brush up on current national education policies and how they impact Church of England schools. Being able to discuss these changes and their implications will show your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a key part of this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you would promote a safer environment for children and young people in the diocese.
