Assistant Headteacher in Felixstowe

At Felixstowe School, we believe that great schools are built on strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine sense of belonging. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher: Behaviour, Culture and Belonging. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and ambitious leader to help shape the culture of a school that is proud of its community, values and ambition for young people.

Felixstowe School is a special place to work. We are fortunate to have brilliant students, dedicated staff and a strong sense of togetherness across the school community. There is real warmth here, alongside a shared commitment to helping every student succeed. Our students deserve the very best. We want every young person to leave us not only with strong qualifications, but also with the character, confidence and experiences needed for future success. Developing well-rounded young people who are kind, hardworking and aspirational sits at the heart of everything we do. Our values underpin daily life at Felixstowe School:

• Inspiration – Aim High
• Influence – Work Hard
• Integrity – Be Kind

You will lead behaviour and pastoral systems across the school, oversee Level Up, our internal behaviour support provision, and work closely with colleagues to ensure all students are supported to thrive both academically and personally. You will also act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and lead our Student Support Team in removing barriers to learning and improving outcomes for young people.

We are looking for a leader who:

• has a proven track record of successful pastoral or behaviour leadership
• builds positive and respectful relationships with students, families and staff
• has high expectations and believes every child can succeed
• is passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and student wellbeing
• leads with visibility, consistency and compassion
• can contribute strategically to the continued improvement of our school.

In this role, you will:

• lead behaviour, culture and belonging across the school
• oversee Level Up, our internal behaviour support provision
• Lead the Student Support Team
• act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
• work closely with families, external agencies and alternative provision providers
• play a full role within the Senior Leadership Team.

Why join Felixstowe School?

Felixstowe School is an ambitious and rapidly improving 11–18 school at the heart of its local community. Visitors often comment on the positive atmosphere around the school, the strength of relationships between staff and students, and the sense of pride our students have in their school. We are incredibly proud of the team we have built. Staff work hard for one another, support each other well and genuinely care about the young people we serve. It is a school with a real community feel and one that many describe as a hidden gem.

We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities
• Support and collaboration across the trust
• Opportunities for career progression
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, including monthly supervision opportunities
• A two-week October half term
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enthusiastic students who are proud of their school
• Dedicated, welcoming and hardworking staff
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people every day

For more information, please read the Job Description (pdf) and the Unity Schools Partnership Candidate Info Pack (pdf).

How to apply:

Please complete your application by visiting the Unity Schools Partnership recruitment website. Closing date: 9am, 20 May 2026. Interview date: From 22 May 2026. Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted. Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination. We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.