Vice Principal

Job Introduction

Vice Principal

Permanent

Leadership Pay Scale L16 – L20

Start date: September 2026

Dove House Academy is an aspirational and highly inclusive special school for 240 pupils, aged 11 to 19 situated across two sites in Basingstoke. Most pupils at Dove House have a primary need of moderate learning difficulties, however, an increasing proportion have a diagnosis of severe learning difficulties. Many pupils have additional needs including Autism, ADHD, physical or medical needs. As a result, the school is currently on an exciting journey of curriculum development to ensure that this ‘outstanding’ setting continues to meet the needs of future cohorts, to an exceptionally high standard. In support of this, there is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is raring to lead the Curriculum into the next phase of its development, to join as Vice Principal.

The new Vice Principal will have the support of an enthusiastic and committed team who are motivated to move the school forward into its next phase. A key feature of the culture, and one which staff are passionate about, is the restorative and relational approach, rooted in strong relationships and connections between staff and pupils and their families. The school also boasts excellent facilities including extensive outside space, a gym and large fitness suite as well as multiple specialist spaces, including a newly built sensory room and a soft play room. Additionally, there is plenty of scope for future development to our site, with plans already underway to enhance and grow our physical environment further, including new classrooms, a new playground and a redevelopment of our OT space.

Solent Academies Trust is a family of five incredible special schools with three in Portsmouth and one in Compton, West Sussex, each with their individual identity. The Trust is actively growing with a new Special Free School opening in Hampshire in September and further growth expected. The Trust is proud of its established track record of successful school improvement and of making a positive difference to the lives of its children and young people and their families. It prides itself on harnessing the benefits of being a multi academy trust, working closely together to accelerate school improvement and share innovative practice in order to improve outcomes for all pupils and develop a strong learning community.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, passionate, committed and forward-reaching senior leader, who is able to drive meaningful change alongside maintaining the many successes already seen within Dove House Academy. You will have the experience and determination to lead our curriculum into the next phase of its development so that it meets the needs of our young people and must believe in the values of empowerment, respect and aspiration. Your positive, can-do, attitude will inspire, enthuse and motivate pupils, staff and the wider school community and drive meaningful improvement so that the school makes a positive difference to the lives of its young people.

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to make an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.
T: 07908268091 E: martin.blair@hays.com.

Please do not use any online “APPLY” options.
Further details can also be found at www.hays.co.uk/vacancies/dove-house-academy

Closing date – 8am, Thursday 16th April
Interviews – w/c 20th April

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