Job Introduction
Founding Principal – Luminous Oak Academy
Location: Boorley Green, Hampshire (SO32 2FG)
Start Date: January 2026
Salary: L21 – L27 £81,440 - £94,331
Lead the Future of Specialist Education
Solent Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional and visionary leader to become the founding Principal of Luminous Oak Academy, a brand-new special free school dedicated to transforming the lives of children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Opening in September 2026, Luminous Oak will be a state-of-the-art, 125-place academy for pupils aged 7 to 16, based in the heart of the Boorley Gardens development in Eastleigh. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to build a school from the ground up shaping its vision, culture, and provision to deliver exceptional specialist education.
About Luminous Oak Academy
Named by pupils within our Trust, Luminous Oak represents strength, growth, and resilience, reflecting our commitment to empowering children and young people to thrive.
The school’s cutting-edge facilities will include:
15 classrooms and specialist practical learning spaces
Therapy and intervention areas tailored to SEMH support
A fitness suite to promote well-being and self-regulation
Extensive outdoor spaces, including a sensory courtyard and a multi-use games area
Your Role as Founding Principal
As Principal, you will:
- Shape the school’s ethos and vision, ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment.
- Build and lead a talented team, attracting and inspiring passionate educators and specialists.
- Develop strong partnerships with pupils, families, the local community, and external stakeholders.
- Create a culture of excellence, setting high standards for teaching, learning, and pastoral support.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with:
- Proven experience in senior leadership (preferably in a special school or SEMH setting).
- Expertise in SEMH and a deep understanding of strategies to support pupils with complex needs including autism.
- A strategic mindset, capable of leading long term growth and continuous improvement.
- A collaborative, relational approach, fostering strong connections within the school and wider community.
- Passion, resilience, and a can-do attitude to inspire and motivate pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Why Join Solent Academies Trust?
Luminous Oak Academy is part of Solent Academies Trust, a growing family of five highly successful special schools across Hampshire, Portsmouth, and West Sussex. With a strong track record of school improvement and innovation, we work collaboratively to drive excellence in special education.
As Principal, you will benefit from:
- Unrivalled support from an experienced Trust leadership team.
- A culture of collaboration, where schools share expertise and best practice.
- Exciting career development opportunities, within a Trust committed to growing and developing outstanding leaders.
- The chance to shape a school from inception, creating a truly exceptional provision for pupils with SEMH.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact: Sarah.davies@solentacademiestrust.info
For further details and to apply, visit: http://solent-trust.net
Closing Date: Monday 28th April at 9am.
Interviews: 7th and 8th May 2025.
Come and be part of something truly special. Shape the future. Change lives. Lead Luminous Oak Academy.
Luminous Oak Academy and Solent Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
