Headteacher

• Castle EAST School
• Address: Hillside Road East Bungay Suffolk NR35 1JS
• Salary: L18 L24
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent required as soon as possible
• Reference: 5293

As Headteacher you will work closely with the Trusts Director of SEND to build upon Castle EAST Schools 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 Suffolks most distinctive educational communities.

Castle EAST School is a specialist provision for pupils aged 916 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 read theRecruitment Pack (pdf).

Please contact Anna Mears via Ashley Elder by calling or by emailing.

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting thevacancies page of our website.

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

Closing date: 12pm 31 August 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026