Our mission is to support the 87 Church of England schools throughout Suffolk. As a diocese, we work closely with our schools which, together, educate 14,000 pupils. We are looking for an experienced education professional with successful senior leadership experience to lead our team from September, following the retirement of the current postholder. Based in Ipswich, but with travel throughout Suffolk, this post is both rewarding and varied and involves:

• Providing a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors
• Leading a small and highly effective team
• Leading the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes
• Promoting education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education
• Working across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff
• Working with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues
• Working as part of a strong and supportive network of national and regional Directors of Education and with the Church of England’s National Society for Education on policy development and issues

If you love schools and can demonstrate the following criteria we would love to hear from you:

• Successful experience as a senior leader in education
• Collaborative leadership and management skills
• The ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively
• A deep commitment to Church of England schools

£75k-£79k per annum

Full-time – 35 hours per week

Permanent appointment from September 2026

Closing date: 9 February at 5.00pm 2026

Interview date: 2 March 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer and the DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check.

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

For further information please email Jane Sheat, Diocesan Director of Education or call on 07884 232231.

Applications marked ‘Confidential Application’ should be sent to: HR at HR@cofesuffolk.org or by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich IP1 1UQ. Please note: Applications will only be accepted via our application form. Please do not apply directly from online jobsites or send CVs.

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