Director of Education

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Job Description

• St Edmundsbury and Ipswich DBF - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
• Address: St Nicholas House,4 Culter Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1UQ
• Salary: £75,000 - £79,000 per annum
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent, required to start September 2026
• Reference: 0577

Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich's 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 Director of Education with education and 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.

You will:

• provide a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors
• lead a small and highly effective team
• lead the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes
• promote education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education
• work across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff
• work with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues
• work 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.

About you

We require someone who has:

• 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.

For more information

To find out more about us, please visit our website.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Jane Sheat, Diocesan Director of Education by either calling 07884 232231 or emailing jane.sheat@cofesuffolk.org.

How to apply

Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) with 'Confidential Application' in the subject line by email to HR@cofesuffolk.org.

Alternativley, please submit your application by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1UQ.

Please note: Applications will only be accepted via our application form. Please do not apply directly from online jobsites or send CVs.

Closing date: 5pm, 9 February 2026

Interview date: 2 March 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

About the Team

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