Head of School

The Forest School, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0DQ

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026/January 2027

• Closing date

  29 May 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  8 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £84,699.00 - £93,424.00 Annually (Actual) L21-L25

Head of School job summary

Head of School

Scale: L21-25

The Role

The Forest School is a well-established and highly regarded special school in Knaresborough, catering to pupils aged 3 to 16 with a range of complex special educational needs. We are committed to providing the highest quality education within a happy, caring, and safe environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Do you share our vision of an education system where every child can thrive and become as independent as possible?

Are you an exceptional leader who wants to make a real difference to the lives of children in North Yorkshire?

We are currently looking for a Head of School who is:

An experienced leader, innovator, and practitioner with the ability to establish and sustain expert teaching that meets the diverse and special educational needs of our pupils.

Passionate about a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring all children access a structured and personalised entitlement that prepares them for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life.

Able to lead the school on a day-to-day basis with support and guidance from the executive team, fostering a spirit of understanding, cooperation, and respect.

We need a leader who is highly motivated, with the resilience and focus to join us on our journey. Only the very best will do, as our children deserve only the best.

If you are a confident leader, if you are dedicated to improving the life chances of children and have the ability to help both staff and pupils shine, please get in touch!

Please see the attached recruitment pack for more information. For a further discussion with the Executive Principal or to arrange a visit, please contact l.harper@springwellacademyleeds.org

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About The Forest School

• School type: Academies, ages 2 to 16
• School size: 148 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Forest School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-forest-school-hg5-0dq

School location

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