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- Tasks: Lead and support 87 Church of England schools, impacting 14,000 pupils across Suffolk.
- Company: Join a dedicated 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 real difference in education while collaborating with passionate leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education and strong collaborative skills.
- Other info: Permanent position starting September 2026, with a commitment to safeguarding.
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: The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Contact Detail:
The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich 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 Church of England schools. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even recommendations that might just give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the diocese and its schools. Understand their values and current challenges. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in Suffolk's education landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or worked with governors. We want to see that you can inspire and support others in a dynamic environment.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support education in Suffolk.
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 in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see how your past experiences align with the role. Use specific examples from your career that demonstrate your senior leadership experience and collaborative skills.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value genuine passion for education and the Church of England schools. Share your commitment and vision in a way that reflects who you are.
Follow Our Application Process: Remember, applications must be submitted via our official application form. Don’t send CVs or apply through job sites. Head over to our website to find the application form and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
✨Know Your Mission
Familiarise yourself with the mission of the diocese and its commitment to supporting Church of England schools. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your successful senior leadership experience. Think about challenges you've faced, how you led your team, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with Headteachers and Governors, be prepared to discuss your collaborative leadership style. Share instances where you’ve successfully worked with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
✨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 to the role and your ability to adapt to policy changes effectively.
