Job Description

Lawford Church of England School is a thriving and successful primary school with a strong sense of community and a team ethos. It lies in the expanding village of Lawford close to the Suffolk border and serves the surrounding town of Manningtree and associated villages. We have been growing to two-form entry since September 2021 and are looking to continue building on current successes.

Since 2020 the school has been developing its use of technology to improve outcomes and prepare the children for their next steps in life in the 21st Century. The school benefits from 1:1 devices in Years 4-6 and is a leader in the East of England EdTech hub, as well as an Edtech 50 school. We regularly lead study tours and our staff have spoken at national and regional conferences about the positive impact the effective use of technology has on our children. We have been very fortunate to be involved in several pilots and are presently involved in a 3-year pilot for inclusion software.

We love learning and making the most of every extra-curricular opportunity for sports, science, choir, concerts and many more.

The current Headteacher is moving to pastures new after 8 fulfilling years developing the school to its current successful position. The Governors, staff and pupils are therefore looking for an inspirational, innovative and experienced leader who:

• Can embody our vision and have an equally strong vision for inclusive learning and community;
• Enjoys working with children and wants to know and understand every child in the school;
• Visibly supports our children in both their academic and extra-curricular undertakings;
• Has a hands-on and can-do approach, greeting the school community at the gate each day;
• Has an excellent knowledge of safeguarding matters and their application across the school;
• Is ambitious with regard to excellent outcomes;
• Is effective at and enjoys building trustful relationships with pupils, staff and the parent community;
• Can recognise areas for development and drive that improvement in an already successful school, using a breadth of evidence;
• Successfully engages, inspires and develops people and is committed to creating an outstanding learning environment for the children;
• Leads with courage, integrity and passion, modelling resilience and compassion;
• Encourages staff and governors to engage with local authority and Diocese training;
• Recognises the importance of working in close partnership with the community and other local schools;
• Has the knowledge and drive to prepare the school community for SIAMS and Ofsted inspections

You will also demonstrate:

• A commitment to supporting the Christian distinctiveness of our Church school in line with Diocese guidance and the Church of England vision for education;
• A passion for delivering high quality education to children and their families;
• Proven school organisational and leadership skills, including an ability to manage change sensitively across all areas of school life;
• A commitment to developing the potential of every child;
• A commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of children and staff;
• The ability to identify and take advantage of further opportunities for improved partnerships, as they arise.

In return we are pleased to offer:

• A popular and highly regarded school;
• Eloquent and confident children who embody our school vision;
• A committed staff team;
• An active and enthusiastic PTA;
• A supportive and active Governing Body;
• Close links with the Diocese Education Team, Church and local community;
• Excellent extended schools' provision and an enriched curriculum.

A full information pack is available below. Please apply for this role online.

We encourage strong and experienced Deputy Headteachers to apply, as well as current Headteachers.

Key information about our school:

NOR: 347 - Growth to two form entry YR-Y5 in 2026/27 Est. NOR 380 Reaching full capacity of PAN 420 from 2027/28
Age range: 4-11
Ofsted Outcome: Good, March 2022
Successful SIAMS Inspection: February 2026

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact SBM@lawford.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

Lawford Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to satisfactory written references, qualifications check, and a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Certificate.

Information about the School

Lawford Primary school is in the village of Lawford, situated ten minutes by car to the North East of Colchester. It is expanding year on year to support the growing needs of the local community and the ongoing building development.