Job Introduction
Head of School
Location: Boorley Green, Hampshire (SO32 2FG)
Full time
Salary: Leadership Scale L19 - L23
Solent Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional leader to become the Head of School at 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 8 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
Who we’re looking for
The Head of School plays an important role in the leadership and management of the academy. We are looking for an experienced leader who is an exceptional practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes for pupils. You will have a deep understanding of strategies to support pupils with complex needs including autism. You will offer thoughtful and considered contributions to whole school leadership and be able to drive forward improvement in your areas of whole school responsibility through intelligent thinking, methodical implementation, and effective evaluation. You will strike the very careful balance between offering highly effective support and development to those that you lead, alongside providing rigorous challenge and accountability.
The successful candidate will need to be highly flexible and will thrive on working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same!
How to Apply
For more details, please visit our website https://solentacademiestrust.info/
Please note that we will only accept applications on our Solent Academies Trust application form.
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust teaching application form accompanied by a letter of application.
If you have any questions at all or wish to submit an application, please email recruitment@solentacademiestrust.info.
Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd September 2025, 9am.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 2nd October 2025.
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.
