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- Tasks: Lead and support Church of England schools across Suffolk, providing training and strategic guidance.
- Company: Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and the chance to make a real difference in education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in Suffolk and support 14,000 pupils.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education and strong collaborative skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive network and enjoy a rewarding career with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 83000 £ per year.
Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Ipswich, IP1 1UQ
£75k-£79k per annum
Full-time 35 hours per week
Permanent appointment from September 2026
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
We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Closing date: 9th February 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: 2nd March 2026
Director of Education employer: Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Contact Detail:
Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have ties to the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the diocese's current initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just passionate about education but also informed about the specific context of the role. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We all know that examples speak louder than words. Be ready to share specific instances where you've led teams or implemented successful strategies in education. This will help demonstrate your collaborative leadership skills.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Education role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and how it aligns with supporting Church of England schools in Suffolk.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for education and your commitment to Church of England values. Share examples of how you've positively impacted schools or communities in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by our team and allows us to process it efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
✨Know Your Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich's mission and values. Understand how they support Church of England schools and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your successful senior leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams, developed policies, and navigated challenges in education.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Think about times when you've worked collaboratively with Headteachers, Governors, or other stakeholders. Be prepared to share these experiences and how they contributed to positive outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Stay Updated on Education Policies
Brush up on current trends and changes in the national education landscape. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will show your commitment and readiness to lead effectively in this role.
