Job Description

• Otley and Witnesham Federated Primary Schools

• Address: Chapel Road, Ipswich IP6 9NT/High Road, Ipswich IP6 9LR

• Salary: L10 - L16 (£64,691 - £75,049 per annum)

• Hours: Full time

• Contract: Temporary for approximately 2 terms, required from January 2027

• Reference: 8926

Otley and Witnesham Primary Schools are seeking an ambitious, yet caring and supportive Interim Executive Headteacher to join our maintained, two-school community.

Are you a forward-thinking leader with the compassion and drive to ensure every child thrives?

This is a unique opportunity to provide clarity and stability, while shaping the next phase of our development across two closely connected village schools.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a context of high SEND need, to lead key school improvement priorities, and to help realise a shared vision of an inclusive community that inspires, motivates and challenges all.

You will:

• lead with warmth, clarity and high expectations and be able to inspire staff and pupils alike
• share our commitment to inclusion and have experience adapting the curriculum and provision for pupils with SEND
• be an effective communicator who can develop oracy and a culture of confident talk across the school
• have a proven track record of raising attainment (or strong leadership potential supported by evidence of impact)
• be reflective, collaborative and committed to professional learning and development
• understand curriculum design and assessment, and can translate strategy into classroom practice.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute positively to our inclusive and aspirational culture.

We can offer you:

• the chance to lead across two friendly, community-minded primary schools with a clearly defined improvement plan
• a supportive staff team committed to professional growth and best practice, including developing mathematics mastery, oracy, reading fluency and SEND provision
• opportunities for leadership development and collaborative professional learning
• a role where your leadership will directly influence children’s life chances and daily school experience.

Please ensure your application shows how your leadership is firmly pupil-centred and how you will drive improvement in KS2 reading fluency and writing, oracy, mathematics mastery, and high-quality SEND adaptations.

We are looking for leaders who inspire and support staff to create the conditions for every child to succeed, through inclusive practice and high expectations.

We look forward to receiving applications from candidates who will champion our vision of an inclusive community that inspires, motivates and challenges all.

For more information

Visits to our school are strongly encouraged. To make an appointment please contact the school office on 01473 785252/01473 890302

How to apply

For further information and an application pack, please contact: headships@suffolk.gov.uk

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

Closing date: 9 am, 22 June 2026.

Interview date: 1 and 2 July 2026.