Head of Academy

About the role we are looking to appoint:

Following the retirement of the current postholder, the Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Academy to provide strong, visible leadership for Discovery Special Academy. This is a key senior role, working in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher to secure excellent outcomes for pupils, sustain high standards of behaviour, attendance and safeguarding, and ensure the highest quality of provision for children and young people aged 2–16.

The successful candidate will build on the academy’s strengths and lead the next phase of improvement, underpinned by a culture of creativity, curiosity, care, courage and commitment. They will ensure that all pupils experience meaningful access to learning and enrichment, supported by ambitious curriculum leadership, strong inclusive practice and effective engagement with families and multi-agency partners.

Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, academy leadership team, Trust colleagues, children, families and external partners, the Head of Academy will provide strategic and operational leadership that improves teaching and learning, strengthens systems and processes, and secures consistently high standards across the academy.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking to appoint a pro-active, enthusiastic and highly effective senior leader who is deeply committed to inclusive education and who has a strong track record of improving outcomes for children and young people, including pupils with SEND. The successful candidate will be an inspirational role model, with high expectations of pupils and staff, and the ability to translate vision into consistent, day-to-day excellence across Discovery Special Academy.

As Head of Academy, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the quality of education, behaviour and attendance, personal development and safeguarding, working in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher and academy leadership team. You will use evidence and data intelligently to evaluate impact, secure continuous improvement, and ensure that pupils’ needs are met through ambitious curriculum leadership, strong inclusive practice and effective deployment and development of staff.

You will be an excellent communicator who builds strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, governors and external partners. Through robust systems, reflective practice and visible leadership, you will ensure high standards are consistently upheld across the academy and that every pupil is supported to thrive, achieve and belong.

Closing date: Thursday 14th May 2026 at 9:00am

Shortlisting date: Thursday 14th May 2026                       

Interview date: Monday 18th May 2026

Applications to be emailed to recruitment@discoveryspecialacademy.org.uk