Head of Springwater Academy

Teaching Vacancies; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascent Academies’ Trust is seeking an exceptional Head of Academy for Springwater Academy in Harrogate, following the promotion of the current postholder to a strategic SEND and Inclusion role. Springwater Academy is a specialist school serving children with complex needs, where the Head of Academy will lead strategic and operational improvements, safeguarding and inclusion.

We are looking for a compassionate, ambitious leader who can inspire staff, work with families and partners, and drive

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.
• Strategic vision with warmth, integrity and resilience.
• 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

SEND expertise

Safeguarding knowledge

School improvement

Strategic vision

Education

Educational leadership qualification

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

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.

Who we are looking for

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.

What the school offers its staff

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.

Further details about the role

Key Information

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Start Date: 1st April 2027

Closing Date: 30th November 2026

Interview Date: 7th December 2026

Visits to the academy are warmly encouraged.

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.