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Assistant Headteacher
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Assistant Headteacher
Elmswell Primary School
Address: Oxer Close, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UE
Salary: £51,773 - £55,747 per annum (Leadership Scale L1 - L4)
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent, required from January or April 2027 (to be mutually agreed)
Reference: 5565
An exciting opportunity to join our senior leadership team.
Elmswell Primary School is seeking to appoint an experienced, committed and inspirational Assistant Headteacher to join our senior leadership team.
This is a key leadership position within our school, combining whole-school leadership responsibilities with a particular focus on safeguarding and child protection. You must have proven experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL with substantial DSL responsibilities, together with a strong track record as an excellent primary classroom practitioner.
The post includes a two-day-per-week teaching commitment, enabling the successful candidate to retain a strong connection with pupils, classroom practice and the day-to-day life of the school.
About Elmswell Community Primary School
Elmswell CP is a growing village school, serving nearly 400 pupils. Our school is built on a strong sense of community, where every child is known, valued and supported to thrive both academically and personally.
At Elmswell, we are committed to the success, safety and well-being of every child. Safeguarding is at the heart of all we do, alongside our focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment where children feel secure and able to flourish. We believe that school should be a place where children can truly enjoy and experience the magic of childhood—where curiosity is encouraged, imaginations are sparked, and the joy of learning is celebrated each day.
We set high expectations for behaviour, effort and attitude, and offer a rich, engaging curriculum designed to inspire a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Our goal is to prepare children not only for the next stage in their education, but to help them grow into confident, kind and capable individuals ready for the wider world.
Relationships are central to our work. We believe that strong, respectful and supportive connections between staff, pupils, families and the wider community create the foundations for a successful and nurturing school. We highly value the partnership we share with parents and carers, and we know that by working together, we can provide the very best for every child.
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Elmswell Community Primary School - "From strong roots, bright futures grow." We encourage children to learn, grow and shine. They are nurtured to become lifelong learners who are excited about their future and confident in who they are.
The role
Working closely with the Headteacher and wider senior leadership team, the Assistant Headteacher will:
- play a significant role in the strategic leadership and continued development of the school
- take a leading role in safeguarding and child protection, including acting as the school’s DSL / a senior member of the DSL team
- ensure that safeguarding practice is rigorous, responsive and embedded throughout the culture of the school
- provide advice, support and challenge to staff on safeguarding and child protection matters
- work effectively with children, families and external agencies
- contribute to whole-school improvement, self-evaluation and strategic planning
- support and develop colleagues through coaching, monitoring and professional development
- promote consistently high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and inclusion
- lead agreed areas of school improvement according to the strengths of the successful candidate and the priorities of the school
- contribute fully to the day-to-day leadership and management of the school
- deputise for the Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher when required
- undertake a two-day-per-week teaching commitment, modelling excellent classroom practice and high expectations for all pupils.
We are looking for someone who:
- has proven and demonstrable DSL experience within a school or comparable educational setting
- has a secure understanding of safeguarding and child protection practice and can confidently manage complex safeguarding concerns
- is an excellent and experienced primary teacher across all year groups with a strong record of securing positive outcomes for pupils
- has successful leadership experience and is ready to contribute at whole-school senior leadership level
- demonstrates excellent professional judgement, particularly when dealing with sensitive or confidential matters
- can build positive, professional relationships with pupils, parents, staff, governors and external agencies
- has high expectations for every child and a strong commitment to inclusion
- can lead, motivate and develop colleagues
- is organised, resilient and able to prioritise effectively in a busy school environment
- communicates clearly and confidently, including when difficult conversations are required
- shares our commitment to creating a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment in which every child can thrive.
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We can offer:
- a welcoming, inclusive and supportive school community
- happy, enthusiastic children who are keen to learn
- a committed and hardworking staff team
- a supportive Headteacher, leadership team and governing body
- opportunities to influence the strategic direction and future development of the school
- high-quality professional development and leadership opportunities
- the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives, safety and educational outcomes of our children.
Safeguarding
Elmswell Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to the school’s safer recruitment procedures and the appropriate pre-employment checks.
For more information
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role, please contact the School Office on 01359 240261 or admin@elmswell.suffolk.sch.uk
How to apply
Please read the attached Job Description (Word)
[https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ExtOrgs/Attach/I-Sep/5565-job-description-assistant-headteacher-elmswell-primary.docx]
and the Application Guidance for School Teachers (Word)
[https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ExtOrgs/Attach/1-LA-Attachments/Accessible/application-guidance-school-teachers.docx]
Please complete the Application Form for School Teachers (Word)
[https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ExtOrgs/Attach/1-LA-Attachments/Accessible/job-application-form-teacher.docx#xd_co_f=Mjc4YTAwOWYtMTA5MC00NDJkLTgzMzAtOGJmNjA3MzA1MTQ3~]
and return it to The School Business Manager at: Elmswell Community Primary School, Oxer Close, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9UE
Or via email: SBM@elmswell.suffolk.sch.uk
Closing date: 12pm, 16 October 2026 (shortlisting on 16 October).
Interview date: 21 October 2026.
Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
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