Principal, Education Administration

Final date to receive applications: 12 noon, Monday 12 October 2026

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 12 October 2026
Shortlisting: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Academy Visits: By arrangement throughout the application period

Assessment and Interview Process: 15 & 16 October 2026

An exceptional opportunity to lead a specialist Alternative Provision academy and transform the lives of children and young people through inclusive, relational and ambitious practice.

Fortis Trust is seeking an outstanding Principal to lead Victory Park Academy, our specialist Alternative Provision serving children and young people whose needs cannot currently be met within mainstream education.

We are seeking a Principal to join from January 2027, or sooner by negotiation, to lead the next phase of the academy’s development and deliver outstanding outcomes for the children and young people.

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious, values-driven leader to build upon strong foundations and shape the next chapter of the academy’s development.

At Victory Park Academy, we believe every child deserves to be seen, supported and safe. Our work is rooted in relationships, trust and belonging, creating the conditions for young people to re-engage with education, develop confidence and achieve positive futures.

We are looking for a Principal who shares our unwavering commitment to inclusion and has the vision, resilience and determination to secure outstanding outcomes for some of the most vulnerable learners in our community.

Victory Park Academy is an Alternative Provision academy within Fortis Trust. We provide a safe, nurturing and aspirational learning environment for pupils who require a different pathway to success.

Our approach is underpinned by:

• Trauma-informed practice
• Relational approaches
• Unconditional positive regard
• High aspirations for every learner
• Whole-child development
• Meaningful pathways into education, employment and training
• We believe behaviour is a form of communication and that every young person can thrive when given the right support, challenge and opportunities.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to build on the academy’s strengths and further develop a culture where inclusion, achievement and personal growth are at the heart of everything we do.

Fortis Trust is a growing and ambitious multi-academy trust serving mainstream, specialist, alternative provision and post-16 settings across Kent, Medway, and South Essex.

We are united by our commitment to educational excellence, inclusive practice and strong partnership working.

At Fortis, we believe in Strength in Partnership. Our leaders work collaboratively to improve outcomes for our children and young people, sharing expertise, driving innovation and supporting one another to achieve excellence.

You will be supported by an experienced Executive Team, engaged governance structures and a network of Principals committed to continuous improvement.

As a Principal within Fortis Trust, you will contribute beyond your academy, playing an active role in trust-wide strategy, school improvement and leadership development.

As Principal, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Victory Park Academy.
• Drive exceptional outcomes through high-quality education and inclusive practice.
• Lead academy improvement through rigorous self-evaluation and evidence-informed decision making.
• Develop and inspire a high-performing staff team.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies.
• Ensure excellent safeguarding, attendance and behaviour outcomes.
• Promote a culture of aspiration, belonging and achievement.
• Contribute actively to Trust-wide…