What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you ready to lead with purpose, inspire with passion, and shape a school where every student thrives? This is your moment to make a lasting impact. Due to the retirement of the present Headteacher at the end of the academic year, Thomas Gainsborough School, a thriving and dynamic secondary school located in Suffolk, is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to take on the role of Headteacher. This is a unique opportunity to continue to shape the future of a successful and ambitious school, inspiring our students, staff, and wider community to achieve excellence together. The most recent inspection for the school graded Thomas Gainsborough as outstanding in three out of five categories in the Ofsted framework.
As Headteacher, you will:
• Provide strategic leadership and a clear vision for success.
• Champion high standards in teaching, learning, and personal development.
• Nurture a culture where students are inspired to learn and thrive.
• Empower our talented staff, driving professional development and excellence.
• Collaborate with the Unity Schools Partnership, contributing to shared goals and innovation across the trust.
What We’re Looking For:
• An inspiring leader with proven experience in senior school leadership achieving excellent outcomes at KS4 & 5
• A strategic thinker committed to driving high standards academically whilst maintaining the commitment to the personal development of all.
• A collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills to foster relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community
• A passion for inclusive education and a dedication to supporting every child’s journey
• Has the ambition and knowledge to build on our strong foundations and take the school to the next level.
As Headteacher, you will shape our school’s strategic vision, inspire high standards of teaching and learning, and empower both staff and students to achieve excellence. With a strong commitment to academic achievement, personal growth, and community engagement, you’ll be a leader who can motivate and unify. Your experience, integrity, and commitment to inclusive, high-quality education will help our students thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What the school offers its staff
Thomas Gainsborough School, part of the Unity Schools Partnership, is a proud, oversubscribed, inclusive, and high-achieving 11-18 school with a reputation for excellent pastoral care, behaviour and attitudes and sixth form provision with vibrant enrichment opportunities. With a strong community ethos, we foster a culture of aspiration, kindness, and achievement, ensuring every student reaches their full potential. Ofsted Nov 2024 “Pupils behave in a manner in which they can be proud and equally their academic performance reflects the school’s value ‘excellence for each, for all”
Why Join Us?
• An exceptional opportunity to lead a well-established, forward-thinking school.
• A strong and supportive trust network in the Unity Schools Partnership.
• A commitment to your personal and professional development.
• The chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
What We Offer:
• A Collaborative Network: As part of Unity Schools Partnership, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a network of dedicated leaders and educators across our Trust.
• Professional Growth: We support your career with ongoing professional development, a rich network of resources, and access to best practices.
• A Welcoming Community: Join a school that values each member’s contribution, embraces diversity, and champions student success at every level.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Lead a school equipped with excellent facilities, designed to support a rich, modern curriculum.
Further details about the role
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey with Us
If you’re ready to lead Thomas Gainsborough School with vision, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of education within a forward-thinking partnership that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact.
Apply Today and Make a Difference!
Commitment to safeguarding
Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.