Head of Springwater Academy

Springwater Academy · HG2, Yorkshire and the Humber

Closing date: 30 November 2026 at 9am25 days left
Role: Headteacher
Posted: 5 November 2026

High Street, Starbeck, Springwater Academy

Harrogate

North Yorkshire

HG2 7LW

Read the full advert and apply⁠

You apply on the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert, not here.

Job description

Ascent Academies’ Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to become the next Head of Academy at Springwater Academy, following the promotion of the current postholder to a strategic SEND and Inclusion role in Northumberland Local Authority. Springwater Academy is a highly regarded specialist academy in Harrogate, providing education for 159 children and young people aged 3-19 with a range of complex needs including Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and physical disabilities. Having recently joined Ascent Academies’ Trust and benefitting from significant expansion, including the opening of two new buildings, Springwater is entering an exciting new chapter. We are looking for a compassionate, ambitious and visible leader who can build on strong foundations, inspire confidence across the school community and drive the highest standards of education, care and inclusion. About the Role As Head of Academy, you will: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the academy. Champion outstanding outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Lead a culture of ambition, inclusion and belonging. Develop and inspire a highly committed staff team. Work closely with families, professionals and external partners. Contribute to the wider leadership of Ascent Academies’ Trust and collaborate with fellow Heads of Academy across the Trust. Who we are looking for About You We are seeking a leader who: Has substantial senior leadership experience within a special school environment. Demonstrates a strong understanding of SEND education, safeguarding and inclusion. Has a proven track record of school improvement and raising standards. Combines strategic vision with warmth, integrity and resilience. Is passionate about creating life-changing opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.

School at a glance

Springwater Academy

Type: Academy special converter
Age range: 2 to 19
Local authority: North Yorkshire
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
Religious character: Does not apply
Website: www.springwater.n-yorks.sch.uk⁠ (opens in a new tab)

The school's record on Get Information About Schools⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Published school data

Showing 6 of 9 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Published school data: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios Edition 9caa98b8-b0e3-4825-9d6d-5c878282eb88 · 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00: Published file	2025/26 · Academic year · source dated 17 August 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","source":"DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios"} pupil_to_qual_unqual_teacher_ratio
DfE: Special educational needs in England Edition 551e00c6-936a-4d80-81a5-b404201c9fe3 · ab86a50f-6c96-46f2-853f-74dd2196fc1a:2026-06-30T14:21:24.875604+00:00:W/"2c434d07c47065b471ffdca9459fe042" Published file	2025/26 · Academic year · source dated 30 June 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Special educational needs in England"} · total_pupils; SEN_support (SUP primary need); EHC_plan (EHC primary need) Published SEN provision and primary type of need counts from the January school census. Educational categories, not diagnoses.

Local area context

DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas: No published SCAP planning-area membership is available for this URN.

DfE: Education, health and care plans by local authority: Retained observations use different local authority GSS codes. Area boundaries are not assumed comparable.

Showing 6 of 17 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Local area context: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E06000065 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions.

Showing 10 of 16 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.

Pupils

Number on roll: 1452025/26
Source and value: Number on roll, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 145. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year
Free school meals: 43.4%2025/26
Source and value: Free school meals, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 43.4%. Display values may be rounded.
Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year
First language other than English: 10.3%2025/26
Source and value: First language other than English, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 10.3%. Display values may be rounded.
Percentage of pupils in the published First language other than English breakdown.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year

Attendance and behaviour

Overall absence: 9.7%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Overall absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 9.68286%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Persistent absence: 24.4%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Persistent absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 24.44444%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term

Staff

Teachers (headcount): 212025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 21. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Teachers (FTE): 18.22025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 18.21. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Leadership (headcount): 92025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 9. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year

Money

Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium: £51,2502026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Published value: 51250. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level deprivation FSM6 allocation only; excludes looked-after and previously looked-after children, alternative-provision census allocations and service pupil premium. This is not total pupil premium.
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Published file
Current conditions of grant
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Financial year
Devolved formula capital: £10,1002026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Published value: 10100.31. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Financial year

Official school links

Springwater School · Predecessor · 2025-06-01GIAS · 5 November 2026

These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.

Part of THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST (Multi-academy trust)

Latest Ofsted inspection

Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected 14 June 2022, published 22 September 2022 · S5 Inspection · number 10212214
Ofsted's file records this inspection under URN 121776.
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding is effective
Yes
Sixth form
Outstanding
Ofsted's inspection reports for this school⁠ (opens in a new tab)

1 earlier inspections are not shown. See the linked Ofsted reports.

Sources

Get Information About Schools (Department for Education) (opens in a new tab) · 5 November 2026
Ofsted monthly management information: state-funded schools, latest inspections (opens in a new tab) · 30 September 2026
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations (opens in a new tab) · 2026/27 · Financial year · 14 May 2026
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · 15 October 2026
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 4 June 2026
DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026
DfE: Special educational needs in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 30 June 2026
DfE: Size of the school workforce (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026

2 further sources are not listed here; displayed figures retain their own source links.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Vacancies are from the DfE Teaching Vacancies service (opens in a new tab), as the school published them. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.