Principal - The Woodlands Academy (Horizons Specialist Academy Trust) in Scarborough

PrincipalLocation The Woodlands Academy, Woodlands Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6QN

Salary L21 – L27 (£84,699 to £98,106 per annum)

Closing Date 12 noon, Monday 14th September, 2026

Interviews Friday, 25th September, 2026

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 (including Abbey Hill Sixth Form), Archway Academy, Green Gates Academy, Hollis Academy, Mo Mowlam Academy, The Meadows Academy (Norman Cornish Academy from September), The Woodlands Academy and Westlands Academy.

Together, these eight provisions support approximately 1,000 children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

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.

We recognise that ensuring our pupils are safe, receive a high quality and inclusive education, and are confident and prepared to play an active role in society is only possible when we have an effective and strong multi-academy trust.

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.

About The Role and The Woodlands Academy

The Woodlands Academy is a specialist provision supporting more than 165 pupils aged 2-16 with a 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 phase 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.