Principal in Leeds

Lighthouse Education Trust is a completely unique Multi Academy Trust focusing on providing high quality, destination‑led learning for students with a diagnosis of autism. We are excited to commence the search for the team for our new school, Lighthouse Harrogate, due to open in the academic year 2026/27. Lighthouse School Harrogate focuses on providing high quality, destination‑led learning for students with a diagnosis of autism. We already operate a very successful school in Cookridge near Leeds since 2012. We are a happy and vibrant community, where young autistic people learn, flourish and thrive. We are planning for an overall cohort of 80 students with an initial intake of 24. Students study KS3, and a range of Level 1/2 and Level 3 qualifications, including BTECs and GCSEs.

We are looking to appoint a Principal for our Harrogate school to drive forward the successful opening and lead a successful team. The ideal candidate will have some level of leadership experience, either as an existing Principal, or a Deputy wanting to take the next step in their career. As a current leader you will combine this with existing SEND knowledge and a strong understanding of complex and diverse needs.

Role details

All roles will be Trust appointments, based primarily in Harrogate but may require working across other schools in the trust. A successful applicant may also be eligible for Access to Work interventions.

What the school offers its staff

• Salary paid across 12 equal monthly instalments, and an increase each September (subject to Trustee approval and the finances of the school).
• Mental health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do – our staff feel supported by the Senior Leadership Team and our Mental Health First Aider Team.
• Access to a range of free health care services including an Employee Assistance Programme offering free counselling (general/menopause), physiotherapy, 24/7 GP service, stress coaching, nurse support services, financial wellbeing coaching, surgical assistance programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye tests for VDU users.
• Up to date autism specific training, including person‑centred approaches, positive behaviour support strategies and understanding communication from our Speech and Language Therapists and our training and Wellbeing Teams.
• Continuous Professional Development including access to coaching, mentoring and supervision, as well as e‑learning and online training courses.
• Many of our staff have grown into roles both within school and externally, including administrators, teaching assistants, teachers, wellbeing tutors, intervention support, behaviour specialists and educational psychologists.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Commitment to safeguarding

Lighthouse School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS certificate is required for successful applicants, and all newly appointed staff who have lived or travelled overseas for 12 months or more in the past 10 years will be required to undertake an overseas check as part of our pre‑employment checks.