What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications:
Qualified to degree level -Essential
Qualified Teacher Status -Essential
Qualified to Master’s level or NPQH -Desirable
SENDCo -Desirable
Designated Safeguarding Lead -Desirable
Experience:
Essential
Proven track record of effective leadership.
Senior Leadership Experience at Deputy or Headteacher level with significant evidence of impact in current role
Demonstrable evidence of innovating and adapting curriculum to engage students and enable them to perform highly
Considerable and wide ranging up to date knowledge of curriculum, including structure, content, pedagogy and assessment
Experience of driving up academic standards, closing the gap.
Experience of successful work in partnership with parents and the wider community
Experience and impact of rapid school improvement
Experience in developing and implementing effective behaviour management strategies to create a positive and inclusive school environment.
Knowledge of SEND Statutory requirements, processes and systems including the SEND Code of Practice 2015
Experience of providing a rich personal development offer that develops pupils character
Experience of work across the EYFS, KS1 and KS2
Experience of managing a key school budget area and understanding of school financial planning
Experience of leading rigorous Quality assurance Procedures
Desirable
At least 3 years’ experience as a Deputy Headteacher or equivalent in a successful school
Innovative approaches to teacher recruitment and retention
Experience of the strategic overview of pupil progress and the ability to translate this into strategic plans with specific, measurable targets
Experience of developing strong community links
Experience of strategic oversight of pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils including within the role of SENDCO
Experience of working within a specialist setting with a variety of SEND needs
Skills:
Essential
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong written skills, with attention to detail
Ability to lead teaching and learning underpinned by a knowledge of what works best
Able to manage own time and workload and to work under pressure to meet deadlines
Able to support staff to manage own time and workload and to work under pressure to meet deadlines
Highly ICT literate
Ability to handle complex issues
Ability to solve problems, independently or collaboratively
Ability to delegate effectively
Ability to effectively evaluate and plan for improvement
Ability to develop effective relationships and teams
Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and work under pressure
Ability to sustain outstanding practice in relation to behaviour management
Ability to engage senior leaders in the process of self-evaluation; holding them to account for their areas of responsibility
Ability to foster a positive culture that is focused on World Class Education so that all pupils can flourish
What the school offers its staff
Sapientia Education Trust
The Sapientia Education Trust (SET) was established in 2016 with the purpose of bringing like-minded schools together to work in partnership to deliver world-class standards of education to young people in Norfolk and Suffolk. The term ‘Sapientia’ comes from the motto of the founding school, Wymondham College and means wisdom.
We are committed to delivering high academic standards in our schools, combined with a view of education that is child-centred and holistic. Our schools have a strong commitment to inclusion, personal development and extra-curricular activities are strongly promoted.
Our work is cross-phase and involves a strong commitment to staff development and on-going professional learning for all staff in our schools. We believe that collaboration and partnership work help raise standards, and we work with a range of schools within and beyond the Trust. We are a value-based trust, with collaboration and partnership key factors in our success.
SET provides a range of services to support our schools. This includes established HR, Finance, Health & Safety, ICT and Estate teams. In addition, we have a Central Education Team providing specialist support to help raise standards further.
Felix Primary School
Felix Primary School, located on Maidstone Road in Felixstowe, Suffolk, is a school in which our community and the children in our care are at the heart of everything we do. The school focuses on developing the whole child as an individual throughout their journey from Reception to Year 6, including both mainstream and children in our three Specialist Units
"Inspiring ambition and celebrating every step as one.’
The school takes great pride in its diverse and inclusive community, with a high proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and a significant number with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Felix Primary is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, receives the support and encouragement they need to succeed. The school’s dedicated staff, specialist interventions, and tailored learning approaches create a welcoming environment where all children can reach their full potential.
Our facilities include a large open plan Reception class with dedicated outside learning space, a specialist art-based classroom, and three specialist units with outdoor provision. All lower floor classrooms have outside learning space and a brand-new library for 2024-2025.
Felixstowe itself is a charming seaside town nestled between the rivers Orwell and Deben. Known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and a vibrant town centre, it offers a wonderful backdrop for learning and exploration.
Travel to Felixstowe is easy, with regular train services from Ipswich covering the 15-mile journey in just 25 minutes. From Ipswich, there are direct train services to London Liverpool Street, making it possible to reach the capital in just 75–90 minute.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.