At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead two primary schools, ensuring every child thrives and shaping their educational journey.
- Company: Otley and Witnesham Federated Primary Schools, a caring and community-focused environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive staff team, and opportunities for leadership development.
- Other info: Encouraging visits to the school and a collaborative professional learning culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and foster an inclusive learning community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, commitment to inclusion, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 64691 - 75049 € per year.
Otley and Witnesham Primary Schools are seeking an ambitious, yet caring and supportive Interim Executive Headteacher to join our maintained, two-school community.
Are you a forward-thinking leader with the compassion and drive to ensure every child thrives? This is a unique opportunity to provide clarity and stability, while shaping the next phase of our development across two closely connected village schools. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a context of high SEND need, to lead key school improvement priorities, and to help realise a shared vision of an inclusive community that inspires, motivates and challenges all.
You will:
- lead with warmth, clarity and high expectations and be able to inspire staff and pupils alike
- share our commitment to inclusion and have experience adapting the curriculum and provision for pupils with SEND
- be an effective communicator who can develop oracy and a culture of confident talk across the school
- have a proven track record of raising attainment (or strong leadership potential supported by evidence of impact)
- be reflective, collaborative and committed to professional learning and development
- understand curriculum design and assessment, and can translate strategy into classroom practice.
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute positively to our inclusive and aspirational culture.
We can offer you:
- the chance to lead across two friendly, community-minded primary schools with a clearly defined improvement plan
- a supportive staff team committed to professional growth and best practice, including developing mathematics mastery, oracy, reading fluency and SEND provision
- opportunities for leadership development and collaborative professional learning
- a role where your leadership will directly influence children’s life chances and daily school experience.
Please ensure your application shows how your leadership is firmly pupil-centred and how you will drive improvement in KS2 reading fluency and writing, oracy, mathematics mastery, and high-quality SEND adaptations.
We are looking for leaders who inspire and support staff to create the conditions for every child to succeed, through inclusive practice and high expectations. We look forward to receiving applications from candidates who will champion our vision of an inclusive community that inspires, motivates and challenges all.
Visits to our school are strongly encouraged. To make an appointment please contact the school office on 01473 785252/01473 890302.
For further information and an application pack, please contact: headships@suffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 9 am, 22 June 2026. Interview date: 1 and 2 July 2026.
Interim Executive Headteacher in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Otley and Witnesham Federated Primary Schools offer a nurturing and inclusive environment where an Interim Executive Headteacher can make a significant impact on the lives of children. With a strong commitment to professional development, supportive staff, and a clear vision for improvement, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead two community-focused schools dedicated to fostering high expectations and inclusive practices. Located in the picturesque setting of Ipswich, you will be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and aims to inspire every pupil to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Executive Headteacher in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and connect with other leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools you're applying to. Understand their values, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for the schools, especially around SEND and curriculum design. Highlight your past successes and how they align with the role of Interim Executive Headteacher.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Executive Headteacher in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives, so share your vision for an inclusive community that inspires and motivates.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples that highlight your ability to raise attainment and support SEND needs. We love seeing concrete evidence of your impact, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. We’re looking for leaders who can adapt their approach to fit our unique context, so align your skills and experiences with what we’re seeking.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Schools Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research Otley and Witnesham Federated Primary Schools. Understand their ethos, values, and any recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially how it aligns with creating an inclusive environment. Share specific examples of how you've inspired staff and pupils in the past, particularly in areas like SEND adaptations and curriculum design.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as improving KS2 reading fluency or managing a diverse classroom. Think through your strategies and be ready to explain your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the schools' vision and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this role is the right fit for you.
