At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee academy premises, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students.
- Company: Luminous Oak Academy, dedicated to transforming lives of children with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, life insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture rooted in relational practice and enjoy excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Strong maintenance skills and understanding of health and safety compliance.
The predicted salary is between 37400 - 44000 £ per year.
Luminous Oak is 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 with 40 pupils in Years 5 to 8, Luminous Oak will grow over three years to be a state-of-the-art, 125-place academy for pupils in Years 4 to 11, based in the heart of the Boorley Gardens development in Eastleigh. 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 sensory courtyard and a multi-use games area
We are seeking to recruit a highly organised, proactive, and compassionate individual to oversee the academy’s premises and facilities. The Academy Site Lead will manage the academy’s premises and associated facilities for both educational and allied usage. This is a pivotal role requiring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a strong understanding of health and safety compliance within an SEMH.
You will lead the site team ensuring the smooth operational delivery of an effective and responsive service. You will work closely with the Trust Estates Cluster Lead and Principal, to provide a safe and welcoming academy site. Candidates will have strong maintenance skills, ideally within a school setting and will understand the importance of health and safety in the workplace. You will be a motivated and vibrant individual who enjoys working within an environment that is constantly busy.
Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence, with business use insurance, as travel between sites is essential.
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.
Salary & Benefits:
- Band 6
- 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relational leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Increase of annual leave after 5 years of service from 27 to 31 days
- Free onsite parking
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Salary Extras Employee Benefits Platform
The working hours for this role are Monday – Thursday, 7am – 3pm, and Friday, 7am – 2.30pm. During your induction period you will work across all Trust academies.
Location: Solent Academies Trust, Flycatcher Road, Boorley Green, Hampshire, SO32 2FG
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust application form. Please note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust form. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 26th May 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held Friday 5th June 2026 at our central offices in Cosham, PO6 3TH.
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.
Site Lead employer: Dove House School
Contact Detail:
Dove House School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school’s mission and values inside out. When you’re chatting with the interviewers, drop in how your personal ethos aligns with Luminous Oak's commitment to empowering children with SEMH needs. It shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the culture too!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some solid examples of how you've handled health and safety compliance in previous roles. We want to hear about your proactive approach and how you’ve ensured a safe environment. This will really highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your maintenance skills! Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap or managing a team, share specific stories that demonstrate your hands-on experience. This is key for the Site Lead role, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, be sure to express your enthusiasm for working in a busy environment. Talk about how you thrive under pressure and enjoy being part of a dynamic team. This will resonate well with the academy’s vibrant culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to familiarise yourself with Luminous Oak and our mission. Understanding our values and the unique environment we’re creating will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vision.
Be Specific: When filling out the application form, be as specific as possible about your skills and experiences. Highlight any previous work in school settings or roles that required strong organisational skills and health and safety knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Show Your Passion: We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs. Use your application to express why this role excites you and how you can contribute to our supportive culture at Luminous Oak.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to complete the application using the Solent Academies Trust form as specified. We won’t accept any other formats, so double-check that you’ve filled everything out correctly before hitting submit. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Know the Academy's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Luminous Oak's commitment to empowering children with SEMH needs. Familiarise yourself with their Relational Culture Charter and think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the academy's culture.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As the Site Lead, you'll need to demonstrate excellent organisational skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed facilities or projects, particularly in a school setting. Be ready to discuss how you ensure health and safety compliance while maintaining a welcoming environment.
✨Highlight Your Maintenance Expertise
Make sure to emphasise your strong maintenance skills during the interview. Discuss specific tasks you've handled in previous roles, especially those related to educational settings. This will help the interviewers see that you have the practical knowledge needed to keep the academy running smoothly.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Site Lead position and the academy's future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about the support you'll receive from the Trust Estates Cluster Lead and Principal, as well as opportunities for professional development.