Headteachers

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Why choose East Sussex?

East Sussex is a diverse county with urban, rural, and coastal areas with different characteristics. The education sector is made up of a range of providers.

You can find more information about the local context in  ‘Excellence for All’

In East Sussex, leadership is a skill that is needed from day one as a teacher. Class teachers lead in their classrooms and work with a range of support staff. The development of leadership skills needs to start early in a teacher’s career. East Sussex has a strong school-led improvement system where collaborative working is a strength of the local landscape.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve spent my career working in East Sussex, and I continue to feel incredibly proud to be part of such a strong and supportive education community. What has kept me here is the shared commitment to inclusion, collaboration and ensuring every child - particularly those facing disadvantage - has the opportunity to succeed.

Currently, I lead a small, rural school, and this brings both rewards and challenges. By working closely with families, drawing on local partnerships and linking in with colleagues across our EIP, we have created real opportunities to learn from one another and make a meaningful difference together.

As a Headteacher in East Sussex, what matters most to me is making sure every child feels they belong and can succeed. Great primary education is about more than results - it’s about knowing our children well, supporting those who need us most and working closely with families to remove barriers. As leaders, our role is to keep that moral purpose front and centre - setting high expectations, championing inclusion and creating a culture where every child can thrive. When we get that right, we give every child the strongest possible start and the confidence to succeed.

Lindsey Hudson, Headteacher, Alfriston Primary School

We provide:

  • Continuous professional development (CPD) to support career pathways, from Initial Teacher Training and the Early Career Framework, to early leadership, and on to a range of leadership roles within and across schools. With our partner organisations, we provide access to the full programme of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).
  • Comprehensive support and training, so you can make more of a difference in the classroom and beyond.
  • Strong partnerships with local, regional and national partners provide comprehensive support for professional development at all career stages.
  • A range of career pathways that encourage leaders at all levels to engage in roles that draw on and develop their expertise further. This may be through school leadership or wider system leadership roles.

Find out more about system leadership.

As a new headteacher coming into a school that required change, I felt supported and encouraged to make bold decisions. Whether this was opening a SEND facility or expanding and re-siting our Nursery, there was support to make these changes, be it practical support to wade through processes or mentor support to validate the decisions I was making. Working in East Sussex as a headteacher has been very rewarding and support from colleagues and the local authority have been key in helping me build the school and community we have today.

Mike Taylor, Headteacher, All Saints C of E Primary School and Nursery, Sidley, The Rainbow Rooms SEND Facility

Headteacher induction programme 2026-27

For 2026-2027, we will be running our fully funded headteacher induction programme.

We aim to provide ongoing professional development and support for every new, acting, or interim primary, secondary and special headteacher and every new Head of School.

We have a wealth of experience with serving headteachers, consultant headteachers, colleagues from all departments of the Local Authority and external experts. This provides all delegates with an essential toolbox of skills and knowledge.

Course overview and dates:

  • Welcome to East Sussex – Thursday 15th October 2026
  • The school improvement journey – Wednesday 25th November 2026
  • An inclusive school – Wednesday 9th December 2026
  • The curriculum – Wednesday 20th January 2027
  • School finance explained & handling complaints – Wednesday 24th February 2027
  • Working with stakeholders – Wednesday 28th April 2027

For further information, contact Katie Ridgway:

To sign up, visit East Sussex Learning Portal (ESLP). 

Coaching:

Changing Chances CIC is proud to support headteachers in East Sussex through its fully-funded, confidential coaching programme.

Coaching provides a safe and confidential space for busy headteachers to reflect, share thoughts or concerns and to explore opportunities.

Heads who have worked with a Changing Chances coach report growth in their leadership skills, improved ability and confidence in tackling tricky issues and better work-life balance.

You can use your coaching to discuss anything that's on your mind. It's your time and your agenda.

What does it cost?

If you are new to coaching, this support will be fully funded by ESCC. If you have already accessed the free coaching, you may be eligible for a 50% discount.

To find out more or sign up, please email office@changingchances.co.uk.

Changing Chances will answer any questions you may have and identify a coach to work with you.

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