Head of Springwater Academy
Springwater Academy, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7LW25 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Pending HR Recruitment clearances
Closing date
30 November 2026 at 9am
Date listed
5 November 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L21 - L27 - £87,664 - £101,540 (actual paid salary)
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
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.
What the school offers its staff
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.
Further information about the job
Key Information
Salary: Leadership Scale L21-L27
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.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)About Springwater Academy
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 2 to 19
- Size
- 145 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Springwater Academy website
- Email address
- hr@ascenttrust.org
Arranging a visit to Springwater Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@ascenttrust.org.
School location
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