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- Tasks: Lead and shape a brand-new academy dedicated to supporting children with SEMH needs.
- Company: Join Solent Academies Trust and be part of an exciting educational journey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for innovation and creativity in a state-of-the-art facility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils while building a school from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for student achievement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Boorley Green, Hampshire, SO32 2FG
Salary: L16 – L20
Solent Academies Trust is seeking a highly effective academy leader to join Luminous Oak Academy, at the start of its journey. 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.
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. 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 an experienced and compassionate leader, with a proven record of leading curriculum, teaching, assessment and pupil achievement. You will build a learning culture where pupils are held to the highest expectations, ensuring every pupil leaves Luminous Oak with strong foundations. Championing our Trust Relational Culture Charter, you will develop staff capacity, confidence and wellbeing.
As Vice Principal you will deputise for the Principal in their absence. We will provide high quality coaching, support and professional development. You will have the opportunity to be innovative, creative and have fun, whilst making a real difference to the lives of our pupils who face significant challenges in their learning and development.
For an informal discussion about the role, the academy and the Trust, please contact Louisa Paston, Principal.
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust teaching application form accompanied by a letter of application. In your letter, please describe the contribution you feel you can make in shaping the future of Luminous Oak. If you have any questions at all or wish to submit an application, please email.
Please note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust application form. Closing date for applications is Friday 15th May 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Friday 22nd May 2026.
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.
Locations
Vice Principal - Luminous Oak Academy in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice Principal - Luminous Oak Academy in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might have insights into Luminous Oak Academy. A friendly chat can open doors and give you the inside scoop on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the academy's vision and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support pupils with SEMH needs. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice Principal - Luminous Oak Academy in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what Luminous Oak Academy is all about. Dive into our mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with our vision for transforming the lives of children with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Letter: When crafting your letter of application, make it personal! Highlight specific experiences that showcase your leadership skills and how you can contribute to shaping the future of Luminous Oak. We want to see your passion and creativity shine through!
Follow the Format: Make sure to use the Solent Academies Trust application form as your base. It’s super important to stick to this format, as we won’t be able to accept any other types of applications. Keep it neat and professional!
Proofread Like a Pro: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Check for any typos or awkward phrasing. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail and care about making a great first impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Academy's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Luminous Oak Academy's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to transforming the lives of children with SEMH needs. This will help you align your answers with their vision and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Vice Principal, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led curriculum development or improved pupil achievement. Be ready to discuss how you can build a positive learning culture and support staff wellbeing, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to challenges. Think about scenarios related to SEMH needs and how you would handle them. Practising your responses will help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the academy's plans for growth and how they envision the role of Vice Principal evolving. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the academy is the right fit for you.