Headteacher

The posting

Part of the Elveden Schools Trust

Tel: 01953 681449

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hopton.suffolk.sch.uk

• Salary: L6 – L18
• Fixed Term Contract for 1 year initially, with potential for longer-term opportunities across the Trust
• Full Time (Part time/Job share considered)
• Start Date: January 2027

Are you an ambitious and inspirational school leader looking for a headship where you can really make a difference?

Hopton C of E Primary Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, committed and inspirational Headteacher to lead our warm, welcoming village school.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a leader who values relationships, community and a strong sense of belonging and who wants to be at the heart of school life. As a small village school, Hopton offers something special: a close-knit community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and visible leader who is passionate about providing an excellent education for every child. You will work closely with our dedicated staff team, children, families, Local Academy Committee, the local community and our church partners to build on the school's strengths and continue its journey of improvement.

A headship with a difference

There is an element of teaching as part of this Headteacher role, initially 2 days a week, offering the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with the enjoyment of being directly involved in children's learning.

You will:

• Provide inspirational and effective leadership for the whole school.
• Be a visible and approachable presence within the school and wider community.
• Teach part time as necessary alongside leading the school, maintaining a strong connection with classroom practice and children's learning.
• Develop a positive culture where children and staff feel valued, supported and able to flourish.
• Work closely with families and the local community to strengthen the school's already strong community links.
• Build on the school's relationship with the local church and its Christian ethos.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Elveden Schools Trust, benefiting from the support, expertise and opportunities available within the Trust.
• Continue to develop high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils.
• Ensure that safeguarding, inclusion and the wellbeing of children and staff remain at the heart of school life.

Why join Hopton C of E Primary Academy?

Hopton is a small, friendly village school with a sense of community. We pride ourselves on knowing our children and families well and creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong.

As part of Elveden Schools Trust, you will also be part of a collaborative family of schools. We believe that schools are stronger when they work together, sharing expertise, supporting one another and creating opportunities for both children and staff.

This role is initially offered on a one-year fixed-term basis, with the potential for the successful candidate to have longer-term opportunities within Hopton and/or across Elveden Schools Trust.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an inspirational and committed school leader.
• Has a strong understanding of excellent teaching and learning.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes and opportunities for children.
• Can combine strategic leadership with the practical enjoyment of teaching.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is able to work collaboratively and build strong partnerships with families, governors, the church and the wider community.
• Shares our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and the development of every child.
• Will embrace the opportunities that being part of a small school and a growing Trust can offer.

In return, we can offer you:

• A warm and welcoming village school community.
• A dedicated and supportive staff team.
• The opportunity to have a genuine and visible impact on the lives of children and families.
• Support and collaboration from colleagues across Elveden Schools Trust.
• Opportunities for professional development and wider Trust leadership.
• The opportunity to shape the future of a special village school.

If you are an ambitious, compassionate and community-minded leader who would relish the opportunity to lead a small school where every child matters and every relationship counts, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential, informal conversation about this exciting role, please contact

Lorna Rourke, Chief Executive Officer via: [email protected]

How to apply:

A job description is available from “Attachments”.

For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our website to apply via the online application form.

Candidates must only apply using the application form provided; CV’s will not be accepted.

Closing date: 2 October 2026, 12pm

Interview date: 7 October 2026

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward and appoint early should an outstanding candidate be identified. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Elveden Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.