Headteacher in Bury St Edmunds

It is a privilege to lead Christ Church Ainsworth School - a vibrant, inclusive primary school that is deeply rooted in Christian values. Our school is a place where every child is known and valued as a unique individual. We strive to create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere where our pupils can thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. Guided by our Christian ethos, we encourage our whole school community to embody the words of John 13:34, "Love one another; just as I have loved you." Through a rich, engaging curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, we help our pupils grow into caring, confident, and capable young people. Whether it’s exploring the wonders of our forest school, showcasing their artistic talents, or representing the school in sporting events, our pupils have countless opportunities to discover and cultivate their unique strengths and interests.

Trustees are seeking to appoint an inspirational Headteacher with the passion, vision, and resilience to lead the team at Christ Church Ainsworth CE Primary School and Nursery. You will have high expectations and the knowledge, experience, and interpersonal skills to lead sustained improvement throughout the school, whilst being committed to providing a creative, stimulating, nurturing and inclusive learning environment. This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to continue the school’s improvement journey, leading a dedicated team committed to ensuring our children are placed at the centre of all decisions made, and that they receive the best quality education possible. You will also actively support the values and distinctive ethos of our Church of England Trust.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Senior leadership experience and a proven track record of continuous whole school improvement
• Impressive levels of commitment, drive and resilience
• Clear focused vision to take our school forward to secure the best outcomes for the pupils
• Excellent understanding of effective strategies for raising attainment and achieving excellence
• Strong leadership, management and organisational skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Innovative ideas to promote the school, engaging with parents, carers and the wider community

The Headteacher, working with the Trust Leader, Local Governors, Trustees, and the Diocese will:

• Develop a strategic view for the school in its community
• Communicate compellingly the school’s Christian vision and drive the strategic leadership, empowering all pupils and staff to excel
• Analyse and plan for its future needs, development, and improvement
• Ensure effective management in the context of trust policies

In return we can offer:

• Children who love learning
• Opportunities to work collaboratively with our Trust Leaders and partner schools. This includes Trust-wide opportunities to develop skills, experience, and professional development.
• An exciting, forward-thinking Trust with a hard‑working team of talented and enthusiastic staff and trustees who are committed to providing the best for the children in our care.
• A Trust committed to your continuing professional and personal development. All employees will have access to an extensive CPD library to support your current and future career aspirations.
• A Trust committed to the wellbeing of our staff with access to a full range of confidentially offered wellbeing services including counselling, free flu jabs, online GP appointments and physiotherapy.

Desired Criteria Qualifications and Training:

• NPQH (or willingness to undertake in a set time frame)
• Post graduate level qualification or recognised alternative
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Evidence of recent and relevant continuing professional development, including leadership development
• Recent and relevant safeguarding training