Senior Deputy Headteacher

Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Ipswich is seeking a Senior Deputy Head (Academic and Co-Curricular) to oversee the Senior School's operations. The ideal candidate will have strong academic credentials and a proven track record in school management. Key responsibilities include leading academic objectives and supporting staff to enhance pupil outcomes. This full-time position offers a competitive starting salary, flexibility in hours, and various employee benefits, including a pension scheme and wellness support.

Benefits

Free lunch during term time

Access to swimming pool and fitness gym

24/7 GP and mental health support

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Employer contribution to pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience managing change and delivering improvements.
• Interest in developments in digital technology.
• Proven interest in the co-curricular life of a school.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic objectives and operational oversight.
• Support staff to achieve pupil outcomes.
• Develop whole-school change initiatives.
• Establish strong relationships with staff and parents.

Skills

Strong academic credentials

High competence as a classroom practitioner

Significant school management experience

Experience in leading change

Proven ability to lead and inspire others

Education

Good Honours degree

Additional leadership or management qualifications

Job description

Overview

The role of Senior Deputy Head (Academic and Co-Curricular) is integral to the successful running of Ipswich School. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the Senior School, overseeing all facets of both the academic and co‑curricular programmes. At the core of our education is a desire to inspire pupils to leave us with knowledge, skills, and a strong sense of self‑worth. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the school achieves its core aims and objectives inside and outside the classroom, acting as a beacon of best practice and leading from the front.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic objectives and operational oversight for academic and co‑curricular planning and structures in the school.
• Ensure day‑to‑day running of the Senior School, supporting staff to achieve pupil outcomes.
• Support the Headship team in developing and implementing whole‑school change initiatives.
• Act as deputy for the Head with credibility and leadership in all relevant areas.
• Establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with staff, students and parents.

Qualifications

Essential Skills And Experience

• Strong academic credentials (good Honours degree) and a track record of raising academic standards.
• High competence as a classroom practitioner.
• Significant and varied school management experience at middle‑management level.
• Experience in leading change and improvements across both curricular and co‑curricular areas.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire others and to deputise for the Head with credibility.
• Willingness to work with integrity as part of a range of teams while having an independent view.

Highly Desirable Skills And Experience

• Additional leadership or management qualifications.
• Senior management experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of the ‘science of learning’, including recent developments.
• Experience of leading teams, managing change and delivering improvements across co‑curricular areas.
• Interest in developments in digital technology, including AI.
• Evidence of managing successful whole‑school changes.
• Understanding of Marketing and Development and willingness to promote the school creatively.
• Proven interest in the co‑curricular life of a school.

Hours, Salary and Benefits

• Full‑time, permanent post; subject to a 12‑month probationary period.
• Flexibility with working hours is essential.
• Starting salary will be competitive and will depend on skills and experience; remuneration terms discussed at interview.
• Free lunch in the school dining hall during term when the kitchen is operating.
• Access to the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge.
• Employee wellbeing app (Smarthealth) with 24/7 GP and mental health support, plus Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme.
• All teachers are eligible to join a pension scheme with Royal London; employer contribution 15% with critical illness, income protection and death in service cover.

For More Information

Please read the Job Description (pdf) and visit our website for additional details.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a completed Application Form (Word) to our Director of HR by email to [e-mail]. Alternatively, post your application to:
Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG, by the closing date.

Closing Date and Interview Dates

Closing date: 12pm, 7 January 2026.
Interview dates: 21 January 2026 and 29 January 2026. Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for interview.

Important Note

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS.