Principal in North East

Horizons Specialist Academy Trust (HSAT) is a specialist multi-academy trust, underpinned by a single organisational and financial structure led by a Chief Executive. The Trust comprises Abbey Hill Academy, Archway Academy, Green Gates Academy, Hollis Academy, The Meadows Academy, Mo Mowlam Academy, Westlands Academy and Woodlands Academy. Together, these eight provisions support 1000 children and young people with a range of special educational needs.

Our vision of ‘Providing infinite opportunities, ensuring the best education for our children and young people’ is a bold one. Our aim ‘to do more and to do it better’ at every level for our pupils, their families and the wider Trust community is key and is underpinned by our values of providing:

• Opportunities for all
• Opportunities to care
• Opportunities together
• Opportunities for life

We are a caring, inclusive organisation dedicated to working in partnership as a family of schools where we champion all children and young people, as well as the staff that support them. Working in collaboration with stakeholders and the wider professional and local community demonstrates our commitment to our civic duty and is evidence of our moral purpose. We have high aspirations for ourselves and others. Our belief that a child’s future should be defined by their talents and aspirations, not limited by the challenges that they face, is a key driver in seeking to improve the life chances of all our pupils.

The shared core values of our Trust remain constant and relevant at all levels and our governance framework helps to drive excellence in all that we do. Our academies provide high quality educational and learning experiences which aim to develop:

• confident individuals who are positive about who they are and what they can achieve
• successful, enthusiastic and motivated learners
• positive participants in their local and wider communities

We have close working relationships with local schools which enable our students to form relationships and links with other children and young people around them. Established partnerships with post 16 education and vocational learning providers help to prepare our students for adulthood. We value our close partnership with parents and carers and we actively seek to realise the hopes and aspirations they have for their children and young people.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people with special education needs and disabilities and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Woodlands Academy is a specialist provision supporting more than 165 pupils aged 2–16 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and the academy works closely with a range of specialist professionals and agencies to ensure that individual needs are fully understood and effectively met. Recently relocated to a purpose-built facility, the academy benefits from an exceptional learning environment that supports a carefully designed and ambitious curriculum, alongside a wide range of enrichment, therapeutic and personal development opportunities.

The academy combines high expectations with a deep understanding of the individual needs of every pupil. At The Woodlands Academy, we are committed to ensuring that every child can access education successfully, achieve meaningful outcomes and be well prepared for adulthood. Central to this commitment is a nurturing pastoral approach built upon strong relationships between pupils and our highly skilled, experienced and caring staff team. Pupils are encouraged to engage fully in learning, develop their strengths and achieve success in a variety of ways. Through a culture that promotes empathy, respect and resilience, we support young people to become confident, responsible citizens who are equipped for the next stage of their lives and able to make a positive contribution to their communities.

The Woodlands Academy is entering an exciting stage of its development following its move into a purpose-built facility. The Principal will have the opportunity to build on the academy's many strengths, leading a highly skilled staff team and working alongside the Executive Principal and Chief Executive to shape the next stage of its strategic development.

The successful candidate will:

• Have significant experience of working with students with special educational needs.
• Be an outstanding and experienced leader and practitioner.
• Provide effective leadership in raising standards of attainment and achievement.
• Work collegiately to build on the strengths of the Academy and Trust.
• Be able to motivate staff that are fully engaged in the goal of achieving excellence in all areas of the Academy both personally and professionally.

The Trust can offer:

• An ambitious and forward-thinking Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees.
• A highly collaborative and supportive Executive Leadership Team.
• A committed and skilled Central Team across Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Operations.
• Well-established systems, processes and infrastructure.
• Extensive and varied professional learning opportunities.

If you have the vision, expertise and drive to lead The Woodlands Academy in the next stage of our journey, we would very much like to hear from you. Please apply by downloading the application form from our website www.horizonstrust.org.uk. Completed application forms should be emailed to executiverecruitment@edwinpeople.com.