Vice Principal

Are you an exceptional, values driven leader ready to make a profound difference in the lives of children in North Yorkshire? The Forest School in Knaresborough is seeking an inspiring and resilient Vice Principal to join our dedicated leadership team.

The Forest School is a Generic Special School catering to pupils aged 3 to 16 with complex special educational needs, we live by our motto: Every Child, Every Chance.

In this pivotal role, you will champion our vision of inclusive excellence, drive an aspirational and personalised curriculum and empower our brilliant pupils to build emotional resilience and achieve independent success. If you possess the passion, innovative mindset and strategic leadership skills to support our school on this rewarding journey and help both staff and pupils shine, please get in touch!

Key Responsibilities

• Shaping the Future & Leading Learning by driving academic excellence, implementing a diverse, flexible and engaging curriculum, promoting creativity, innovation and using emerging technologies to enrich and extend the learning experience.

• Developing People & Managing the School by nurturing talent, building a collaborative learning community, supporting staff induction and continuous professional development.

• Securing Accountability & Strengthening Community by working effectively with the Governing Body and the Trust, presenting clear, accurate accounts of school performance. Creating strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies to support the holistic well being and safeguarding of all students.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with evidence of further relevant qualifications.

• Successful track record of School Leadership or senior/middle management within a school or academy setting.

• Proven experience leading and developing a whole school educational aspect.

• Teaching experience across more than one Key Stage.

• Demonstrated experience in change management, personnel management and efficient budgetary management.

Your Personal Attributes

• Visionary Leadership: A clear and coherent educational vision with the drive, determination and energy to sustain school improvement.

• Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work closely in partnership with the Principal, Leadership and wider school team, building strong, supportive staffing networks.

• Problem Solver: An innovative, positive problem solver who can tackle difficult issues and convey outcomes clearly and sensitively.

• Accountability: Strong knowledge of statutory frameworks and an understanding of target setting, assessment, diversity and inclusion strategies.

For full and detailed Job Description, Person Specification and Candidate Pack please see attached related documents

Visits are encouraged and for further information about the role please speak to Hannah Duffey, Head of School at hannah.duffey@pennyfield.org.uk

To apply, please submit an application through My New Term. Your application should outline why you feel your experience makes you a strong applicant for this exciting opportunity.

Please note that candidates are expected to demonstrate all the essential criteria and have strong communication skills.

The closing date for applications is: 8am, Monday 21 September 2026

Interviews will take place Friday 25 September 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation as part of the assessment process.

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.