Head of School

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Job Description

• Address: Stone Lodge Academy, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9HW
• Salary: Competitive Salary
• Hours: Full Time
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 7926

Stone Lodge Academy is a nurturing and ambitious special school with a strong reputation in the community for transforming the lives of young people with additional needs. Our students, families, and staff are united by a shared belief in what possible when every learner is given the right support to thrive.

We are now seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead our next phase of development.

About the Role

As Head of School, you will take day-to-day responsibility for ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality education across all phases. You will be instrumental in shaping a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment that reflects the trauma-informed ethos and core values of Stone Lodge Academy.

Working in close partnership with our experienced Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the Executive Leadership within our trust, you will:

• Champion the needs and aspirations of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Build on recent improvements to curriculum and systems
• Unify our primary and secondary phases into a cohesive whole-school approach
• Lead staff development and foster a culture of high expectations and accountability
• Engage with the governing body on performance, strategy, and operational matters

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

How to apply

Please read the Information Pack (pdf)

Please feel free to contact Karina Brown, Group Recruitment Manager by either calling 01473 946286 or emailing: karina.brown@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

To find out more, please visit our website (Eastern Education Group)

The full job pack, including person specification and further information about Stone Lodge Academy, can be found on this page.

Closing date: 5 pm, 20 October 2025.

Interview date: 4 November 2025.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

The group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

About the Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

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