Headteacher

Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School, Thetford, Norfolk, IP26 4PP

19 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  14 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  21 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: L6-L10

Headteacher job summary

Duchy of Lancaster CofE Primary School, part of Grace Schools

Is seeking to appoint a Headteacher

Payscale: L6-L10 + relocation allowance, if applicable

Commencing: Autumn Term 2 (start date negotiable for the right candidate)

We are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to lead Duchy of Lancaster CofE Primary School.

Situated at the heart of its local community, Duchy of Lancaster is at an exciting stage in its development. We are looking for a dedicated leader who will uphold our high expectations, embed research-informed teaching practices, and ensure every child receives the education required for them to succeed in their future endeavours.

Working in close partnership with our Hub Director and wider Trust family, you will enjoy unparalleled support, collaborative expertise, and extensive opportunities for professional growth.

Find out more about our school by visiting: https://duc.graceschools.org.uk/

About the candidate

We want the next Headteacher to have the ability, confidence and vision to work with the local community and wider Grace Schools family to create an exceptional provision for our pupils.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is aligned to our Grace School vision and Education Principles

• Can lead, motivate and manage all school staff, fostering a culture of high standards, clear accountability and continuous professional development.

• Understands how a primary school fulfills a core role in the local community

• Works closely with the Hub Director, central Trust teams, and partner schools to build strong, positive relationships with parents, carers, the local community and external agencies to secure the school’s role as the local school of choice.

About Grace Schools

It is an exciting time to join us as we move into the next era of the Trust as The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT) becomes Grace Schools.

Grace Schools represents our commitment to the founding principles established by the Diocese of Ely and the unique position we have supporting church schools.

We are a large multi-academy trust which consists of 38 primary academies and approximately 7,000 pupils. Grace Schools exists to create the foundations to build successful futures. Our pupils deserve educational excellence, and we are committed to delivering that entitlement to ensure all our students secure the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to succeed in their later lives.

We recognise the importance of continually improving the quality of education across our schools. As a result, we invest in developing our curriculum, teaching, and wider provision to ensure these improvements are realised and sustained. Our schools give children the chance to learn, know and lead in a happy and inclusive environment. Most importantly, we provide them with a firm foundation for the future and the opportunity to succeed.

We are especially proud of the recognition given to the Trust when we were awarded MAT of the Year at the 2024 National Schools Awards. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole staff team and the high-quality provision they offer to all the children who attend our schools.

Please visit our website to find out more: www.graceschools.org.uk

What we can offer you

We are committed to providing systems of high-quality support and challenge to ensure that our school leaders develop and that our schools continually improve. You will join a team where leaders are supported in having direct links with each other and our Education Team, through our Headteacher conferences, professional development provision and dedicated support from our Hub Directors.

You will be part of a Trust that provides leadership and support to schools through our core leadership and central services teams, which includes an experienced and supportive CEO, an Education Team, Finance, People, Governance, IT and Building and Property services. The successful candidate will benefit from this significant support coupled with a comprehensive induction and CPD programme.

Further information on the role can be found in the attached information pack.

Please contact the Recruitment Team via recruitment@graceschools.org.uk to coordinate a conversation with a member of the Central Leadership Team.

How to apply

If you would like further information on this role, please refer to the Headteacher information pack in the link below. The pack provides key information about what we stand for as a trust as well as information about the school.

Please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@graceschools.org.uk to arrange to visit the school.

Closing Date: Wednesday 14 October, midday

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a suitable number of internal or external applications

Interview date: w/c 19 October

Grace Schools is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

We do not discriminate against staff based on age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, gender, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School

• Organisation type: Academy, Church of England, ages 5 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 91 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/duchy-of-lancaster-methwold-cofe-primary-school

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