Head of Springwater Academy

Springwater Academy; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Springwater Academy, Harrogate, seeks a Head of Academy to lead a specialist school serving 3–19-year-olds with complex needs. You will drive SEND outcomes, inclusion and staff development within Ascent Academies' Trust.

The role requires substantial senior leadership experience in a special school, a deep understanding of SEND and safeguarding, and a track record of raising standards while fostering warmth, integrity and resilience.

Qualifications

• Has 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 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 education

Safeguarding

Inclusion

School improvement

Raising standards

Strategic vision

Communication with families

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 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

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.