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Solent Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional leader to become the Head of School at Dove House Academy, a large and highly regarded secondary special school dedicated to transforming the lives of children with learning disabilities and associated conditions such as autism and speech, language and communication needs.
Personal attributes
This is a rare opportunity to be a key member of the leadership team of a multi-site school that is part of a highly successful Trust on to its next stage of development by shaping its vision, culture, and provision to deliver exceptional specialist education and to contribute to Trust-wide strategic developments.
At Solent Academies Trust, we are proud to be a community built on connection, respect, and belonging.
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
About Dove House Academy
Part of Solent Academies Trust since 2023, Dove House Academy:
- - Educates nearly 250 children
- - Operates over two sites, with a Sixth Form co-located with a mainstream secondary school
- - Is rated Outstanding by Ofsted (February 2025)
Who we’re looking for
The Head of School will work closely with the Executive Principal, so we are looking for an experienced leader who is an exceptional practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes for pupils who is looking to take their next step in strategic leadership. You will be a confident communicator who is able to motivate and develop teams. 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. You will have a confident understanding of safeguarding and of strategies to support the behaviour and attendance of pupils with complex needs including autism.
Salary & Benefits
Salary from £83,478 to £92,065 per year
Location
Dove House Academy
Sutton Road
Oakridge, Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 5SU
There are no documents to display at present.
Closing time and date for applications is 4pm, Wednesday 9 th December 2026.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 16 th December 2026. All applicants will be advised if they have been shortlisted on Thursday 10 th December.
Equal opportunities
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.
