Principal - Luminous Oak Academy

Portsmouth - UK

Monthly Salary: £ 84699 - 98106

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Founding Principal Luminous Oak Academy

Location: Boorley Green Hampshire (SO32 2FG)
Start Date: January 2026
Salary: L21 L- 98106

Lead the Future of Specialist Education

Solent Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional and visionary leader to become the founding Principal of Luminous Oak Academy 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 Luminous Oak will be a state-of-the-art 125-place academy for pupils aged 8 to 16 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.

About Luminous Oak Academy

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 schools 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 a sensory courtyard and a multi-use games area

Your Role as Founding Principal

As Principal you will:
-Shape the schools ethos and vision ensuring a nurturing inclusive and aspirational learning environment.
-Build and lead a talented team attracting and inspiring passionate educators and specialists.
- Develop strong partnerships with pupils families the local community and external stakeholders.
-Create a culture of excellence setting high standards for teaching learning and pastoral support.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with:
-Proven experience in senior leadership (preferably in a special school or SEMH setting).
-Expertise in SEMH and a deep understanding of strategies to support pupils with complex needs including autism.
-A strategic mindset capable of leading long term growth and continuous improvement.
- A collaborative relational approach fostering strong connections within the school and wider community.
-Passion resilience and a can-do attitude to inspire and motivate pupils staff and the wider school community.

Why Join Solent Academies Trust

Luminous Oak Academy is part of Solent Academies Trust a growing family of five highly successful special schools across Hampshire Portsmouth and West Sussex. With a strong track record of school improvement and innovation we work collaboratively to drive excellence in special education.

As Principal you will benefit from:
-Unrivalled support from an experienced Trust leadership team.
-A culture of collaboration where schools share expertise and best practice.
-Exciting career development opportunities within a Trust committed to growing and developing outstanding leaders.
- The chance to shape a school from inception creating a truly exceptional provision for pupils with SEMH.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact:

For further details and to apply visit:

Closing date for applications is Monday 22^nd September 2025 9am.

Interviews will be held on Monday 29^th September 2025.

Come and be part of something truly special. Shape the future. Change lives. Lead Luminous Oak Academy.

Luminous Oak Academy and Solent Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age gender ethnicity or religion. Only applications submitted on the academys 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.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

DescriptionFounding Principal Luminous Oak AcademyLocation: Boorley Green Hampshire (SO32 2FG)Start Date: January 2026Salary: L21 L- 98106Lead the Future of Specialist EducationSolent Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional and visionary leader to become the founding Principal of Luminous Oa...