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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community, championing children's futures.
- Company: Join the compassionate Active Learning Trust dedicated to education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a passion for education and community building.
- Other info: Warm visits encouraged; flexible working considered for suitable roles.
The predicted salary is between 78702 - 91158 £ 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.
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.
Pay: £78,702.00-£91,158.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Headteacher employer: The Active Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
The Active Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit Gusford Primary School. This will not only give you a feel for the environment but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current staff! Reach out to teachers or staff members at the school to chat about their experiences. This can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your values! During the interview, make sure to highlight how your leadership style aligns with the school's people-first philosophy. Share specific examples of how you've fostered trust and collaboration in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Don’t forget to submit your application via the Active Learning Trust website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher
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 environment. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Be Authentic: We value heart-led leaders, so be yourself in your application! Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your leadership style and how you connect with both staff and students. Authenticity goes a long way in showing us you’re the right fit for our community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our values and the specific role of Headteacher at Gusford Primary School. Highlight your experience in fostering a positive school culture and how you plan to champion children’s futures. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The 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 staff and students 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 Community
Research Gusford Primary School and its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with parents, staff, and local organisations to create partnerships that benefit the students. Showing that you understand the importance of community involvement will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the school's current initiatives or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your desire to contribute positively to the school culture.