Headteacher

Part of the East Anglian Schools Trust

Tel: 01986 808651

Email: aelder@castleeastschool.co.uk 

Website: https://www.castleeastschool.co.uk 

• Salary – L18-L24, £78,702 - £91,157 pa
• Permanent
• Full Time
• Required for January 2027  

As Headteacher, you will work closely with the Trust's Director of SEND to build upon Castle EAST's strong foundations, ensuring that the school remains ambitious, innovative and responsive to the changing needs of pupils, families and the wider SEND landscape. This close partnership provides a distinctive opportunity to combine school-based leadership with Trust-wide SEND expertise and system-level influence.

At Castle EAST School, we believe that every child deserves a place where they feel understood, valued and able to thrive.

We are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead the next chapter in the development of our transformational specialist school. This is a unique opportunity to build on the success of a school that was judged Outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection following opening, whilst shaping the future of one of Suffolk's most distinctive educational communities.

Castle EAST School is a specialist provision for pupils aged 9–16 with autism and communication and interaction needs. At the heart of our work is a commitment to personalised learning, high aspirations, meaningful relationships and preparing young people for successful adult lives.

As part of EAST, you will join a family of schools committed to excellence, inclusion and collaboration. You will lead a dedicated staff team, work closely with families and governors, and help ensure that every pupil receives the education, support and opportunities they deserve.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide inspirational leadership for the school community.
• Continue to develop a culture of excellence, inclusion and belonging.
• Ensure strong outcomes for pupils academically, socially and emotionally.
• Lead and develop a talented and committed staff team.
• Work in partnership with families, governors, the Director of SEND and external agencies.
• Champion the needs and aspirations of autistic children and young people.
• Drive continual improvement and innovation whilst preserving the values and ethos that make Castle EAST special.
• Play a key role within the wider EAST Trust family and contribute to Trust- wide developments in SEND and inclusion.

For more information

Please see the attached Recruitment Pack

For more information please contact Anna Mears via Ashley Elder on 01986 808651 or - aelder@castleeastschool.co.uk 

How to apply

A recruitment pack is available from ‘Attachments’.

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our vacancies page and then to our recruitment website to apply via the online application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early submission is encouraged.

Closing date:  28 September 2026, 12 noon

Interview date:  w/c  12 October 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To this end, you may be required to undergo pre-employment checks.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.