Head of Academy - Springwater Academy, Harrogate

North East Combined Authority; Harrogate; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascent Academies' Trust in Harrogate is seeking an exceptional Head of Academy for Springwater Academy to lead strategic and operational priorities for a specialist school serving students with complex needs.

You will champion SEND outcomes, work with families and professionals, develop a high-performing staff team and contribute to Trust-wide leadership.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

SEND education knowledge

Safeguarding and inclusion

School improvement and standards

Strategic vision and resilience

Life-changing opportunities for SEND

Job description

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 benefited 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

• 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.

About You

• 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?

• 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

Salary: Leadership Scale L21-L27

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Start Date: 1 April 2027

Closing Date: 25 November 2026

Interview Date: 7 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. The Trust safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in accordance with Sunderland Local Safeguarding Board Procedures.

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.