Job Introduction
Join Horizons Academy as one of our Teachers and Senior Leaders
Be part of Horizons Academy, a brand new, state of the art special school opening in January 2026 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The purpose-built academy will meet the needs of children and young people from Key Stages 2 to 5 with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), along with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). We are seeking highly motivated and dedicated Teachers and Senior Leaders including Assistant Principals to join us at this exciting time to be part of our talented and supportive SEND team from day one!
The academy will accommodate 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with class sizes of approximately 8 students. Initially we are looking to appoint several teachers and senior leaders to start from September 2025 with an initial focus on outreach and transitional work prior to the academy opening.
Our vision for the new school is rooted in our firm belief that every child, regardless of individual need or ability, deserves an education that fosters inclusivity, meaningful engagement, and academic excellence. In meeting the wide-ranging specific needs of all learners, our curriculum will be aspirational, including a broad range of experiences but structured in such a way that it is meaningful and can be tailored to the needs of every child. Ultimately, our vision is that every child and young person who learns within the walls of Horizons Academy will leave prepared for adulthood and can go on to be whoever they want to be and to achieve more than they could have ever imagined.
The successful candidates
We are looking for Teachers and Senior Leaders with experience in supporting children and young people with complex needs in a specialist setting or with significant SEND experience. Knowledge of safeguarding pupils with SEMH needs is essential along with creating a secure and nurturing environment so that children attend every day possible. You will work alongside the Principal to ensure that every child experiences a positive and enriching educational experience and are well prepared and equipped for their future.
We are seeking people who have a background in these areas and is empathetic, professional and warm; someone who can be flexible and embrace a challenge.
Our opportunities
We are seeking to recruit several teachers and senior leaders who will hold various roles within the school. Should you wish to make an application, please specify the role that interests you most, your experience and why you are interested within your supporting statement.
Specific roles and responsibilities:
- Teachers of SEND for primary and secondary aged children - MPS/UPS/SEND allowance offered
- Assistant Principal for Quality of Education
- Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development
The successful candidates will:
- Have working knowledge of working with students with SEMH and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
- Want to be part of our founding team and support the set-up and opening of our new academy.
- Be an excellent teacher and a committed team player.
- Have a proven track record of success
- Have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of children
- Be able to communicate effectively with parents and other professionals
- Work directly with young people and their families, building relationships and working together to ensure that our community is a safe and well supported.
- Work within and beyond the school gates with families to access services that will help them to have full access to the extended school opportunities offered.
As our academy is currently under construction, it is not possible to offer visits to the school. We expect the construction to be completed in autumn 2025, ready to welcome the first students in January 2026. Should you have any initial questions please email office@horizons-ac.org.uk . Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit one of our other Special Schools as well as an online Q&A event.
Our employee benefits
At Diverse Academies, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.
In return you will benefit from:
- Enrolment into the Teacher Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 23.68%
- Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning
- Employee Assistance Programme
- GP helpline
- Health and wellbeing advice and support
- Eyecare vouchers
- Salary sacrifice schemes – electric car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics
- Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc
- Health cash plan (personal or family) – where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc)
- Childcare – breakfast and after school provision
Take a look at our rewards and benefits online
Applications
Please detail within the supporting statement section of your application form what skills, knowledge and experience make you the right person to be part of the founding team for Horizons Academy. Please ensure you include leadership information where this is relevant to your application.
Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should we identify an appropriate candidate/s.
Closing date: 24th April 2025
Interview dates: 1st & 2nd May 2025
Start date: September 2025
If you have any initial questions or would like to learn more about these opportunities, please email office@horizons-ac.org.uk
About Diverse Academies Trust
Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.
We empower. We respect. We care.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care. We expect everybody volunteering for the organisation to share this commitment. Any offer will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances. View our safeguarding and child protection policy.
