Head of Academy - Springwater Academy, Harrogate
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
03/11/2026
Advert End Date:
30/11/2026 09:00
Salary:
L21 (£87,664) - L27 (£101,540)
Job Category:
Schools - Leadership
Employment Location:
Harrogate, HG2
Further Information
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
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.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.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
Salary: Leadership Scale L21-L27
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Start Date: 1 April 2027
Closing Date: 30 November 2026
Interview Date: 7 December 2026
Visits to the academy are warmly encouraged.
Apply
If you share our belief that every child and young person deserves an exceptional education and a future filled with opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
We have retained Edwin People to support with this key appointment please contact our consultant Dion Mills for further information.
To request an application please click on Apply Now and you will be taken to our application platform where you access further information about this exciting opportunity.
Alternatively, you can contact Dion Mills directly to obtain a copy of the application pack or book an academy tour via email dion.mills@edwinpeople.com .
To confidentially discuss the role in more detail, please call Dion Mills +447860966343.
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.