Head Of Academy

NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascent Academies' Trust invites applications for Head of Academy at Springwater Academy in Harrogate. This is a leadership role for a specialist school serving children and young people with a range of complex needs.

You will drive strategic and operational leadership, advocate SEND excellence, and build a high-performing, inclusive school community. Springwater Academy recently joined the Trust and is expanding.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience within a special school environment.
• Strong understanding of SEND education, safeguarding and inclusion.
• Proven track record of school improvement and raising standards.
• Combines strategic vision with warmth, integrity and resilience.
• Passionate about creating life-changing opportunities for children with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the academy.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Lead a culture of ambition, inclusion and belonging.
• Develop and inspire a highly committed staff team.
• Work closely with families, professionals and external partners.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of Ascent Academies' Trust and collaborate with fellow Heads of Academy across the Trust.

Job description

Location:Harrogate, North Yorkshire - Springwater Academy

Who we are

Ascent Academies’ Trust is a truly collaborative family of specialist schools. We aspire to work as one to bring about positive opportunities to enable our young people to have brighter futures.

Our mission & values

Mission

Together we build brighter futures for young people with SEND

Values

We are one team and agree to work together as one family. We build impactful collaborations with colleague teams, with children and young people, their families and with wider partnerships. We embrace difference, celebrate diversity and promote equality. We respect each person’s distinctive contribution and develop their talents so that our people have a strong sense of belonging.

Advocacy and Empowerment

We champion and promote our specialist community; children, young people and their families to ensure their voice is heard and needs are met. We empower them to express views, make informed decisions, and to have access to their community.

Excellence and Innovation

We have high expectations of ourselves and children and young people and celebrate our achievements. We continually learn in order that we can respond to the needs of children and young people, and we continually improve through creating and sharing best practice models.

Our approach

Our Ascent Family Vision

We will create learning environments where young people thrive; developing physically, academically, socially and emotionally. We will ignite curiosity, ambition, aspiration and aptitudes in our young people so they can play the fullest part possible within their communities. About the role

Head of Academy

Lead a remarkable special school. Shape brighter futures.

Ascent Academies' Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to become the next Head of Academy at Springwater Academy, following the promotion of the current postholder to a strategic SEND and Inclusion role in Northumberland Local Authority.

Springwater Academy is a highly regarded specialist academy in Harrogate, providing education for 159 children and young people aged 3-19 with a range of complex needs including Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and physical disabilities.

Having recently joined Ascent Academies' Trust and benefitting from significant expansion, including the opening of two new buildings, Springwater is entering an exciting new chapter. We are looking for a compassionate, ambitious and visible leader who can build on strong foundations, inspire confidence across the school community and drive the highest standards of education, care and inclusion.

About the Role

As Head of Academy, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the academy.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Lead a culture of ambition, inclusion and belonging.
• Develop and inspire a highly committed staff team.
• Work closely with families, professionals and external partners.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of Ascent Academies' Trust and collaborate with fellow Heads of Academy across the Trust.

We are seeking a leader who:

• Has substantial senior leadership experience within a special school environment.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of SEND education, safeguarding and inclusion.
• Has a proven track record of school improvement and raising standards.
• Combines strategic vision with warmth, integrity and resilience.
• Is passionate about creating life-changing opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.

Why Join Ascent Academies' Trust?

At Ascent, we believe we achieve more together. As part of our family of specialist schools, you will benefit from:

• Support from an experienced CEO, Executive Team and fellow Heads of Academy.
• High-quality professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Access to specialist central services across education, HR, finance, estates, governance, IT and safeguarding.
• A strong culture of collaboration, wellbeing and professional trust.
• Opportunities to contribute to Trust-wide strategy and innovation.

Key Information

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Key Dates

Start Date: 1st April 2027

Closing Date: 30th November 2026

Interview Date: 7th December 2026

Visits to the academy are warmly encouraged.

Together, we build brighter futures for young people with SEND.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people with Special Needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note – if you are appointed, you will be subject to an online search. You will have the opportunity to address any issues of concern that come up during the search during your recruitment process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Applications

We recognise that AI can be a useful tool to support the preparation of job applications. However, all information provided within your application, including examples of experience, achievements and personal statements, must be truthful, factually accurate and drawn directly from your own knowledge, skills and experience. During the selection process, candidates will be expected to discuss and demonstrate the evidence provided within their application.