This is an exciting time to join a unique Trust with a focus on improving outcomes for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Stephenson MK Trust (SMKT), on behalf of Stephenson Academy, is seeking an inspiring, compassionate, and visionary Principal to lead our SEMH academy while collaborating across the Trust, including our Alternative Provision (AP) Academy. Candidates with experience in both SEMH and AP are particularly welcome.

As part of our small but dynamic Trust, you will have the opportunity to contribute across our academies and be an integral member of our wider Trust Senior Leadership Team (SLT). We are a strong, community-focused Trust, believing that collaboration allows us to achieve more for children. By sharing expertise across SMKT, we continually enhance the support and opportunities available to our students.

The Trust is deeply committed to inclusivity and to maximising every student’s potential. Stephenson Academy values its reputation as a welcoming and supportive environment, placing equal importance on pastoral care and personalised academic learning.

We are seeking a Principal who:

·       Demonstrates unwavering commitment to student progress.

·       Employs innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning.

·       Engages in reflective practice to consistently enhance outcomes for pupils.

·       Possesses ambition for, and dedication to, the most vulnerable young people.

·       Is confident in leading a SEMH setting and flexible in contributing to Trust-wide initiatives, including supporting the AP Academy where required.

This role ensures that all students within the Trust have access to outstanding leadership and the opportunity to develop their talents, equipping them to contribute positively to the world beyond our care. We are determined to appoint an exceptional candidate because all children deserve the very best leaders and teachers.

About Stephenson Academy

Stephenson Academy is a successful SEMH special school, which opened in 2012. It has a main site in Stantonbury, which caters for 11–16 year-olds and a primary department was introduced in September 2023 for Years 5 and 6 (ages 9–11), which increased our capacity to 117 students. We also have an associated independent sixth form provision for 16–19-year-olds within the Trust located at Manor Road.

We specialise in supporting students with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) who have a primary need of SEMH, many of whom also display challenging behaviours. Many students have additional needs, including speech, language and communication difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mental health challenges.

We serve Milton Keynes and the surrounding local authorities when places are available.

While this role primarily focuses on leading Stephenson Academy, the successful candidate may also be asked to work collaboratively across the Trust, supporting the Alternative Provision academy and contributing to high-quality leadership across both settings.

What We Offer

·       The opportunity to lead an exceptional school and work with experienced, successful executive leaders.

·       The chance to be part of a forward-thinking and growing Trust, offering wider future opportunities.

·       Extensive support to develop your leadership potential at an exciting time in our growth.

·       The experience of working within an inclusive, values-driven organisation alongside a skilled, dedicated, and hardworking team.

We warmly welcome visits to Stephenson Academy and look forward to receiving your application.

The Recruitment Process:

Indicative Timeline

·       Advert Closing Date: Sunday 22 March 2026       

·       Shortlisting: Monday 23 March 2026                                     

·       Interview Dates: Thursday 16 April & Friday 17 April 2026       

Further Information

If you would like to visit the school and/or require any further information please contact our HR Department either via email on recruitment@stephensonmktrust.org.uk or via telephone on  01908 889400 ext. 1438. The CEO would welcome a professional conversation with any interested candidates.

Stephenson MK Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance, including KCSIE. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.