Principal

Victory Park Academy; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life-changing provision

Collaborative Trust culture

Professional development & coaching

Trust-wide strategy influence

Wellbeing benefits

Supportive leadership network

Networking with experienced leaders

Job summary

Victory Park Academy, part of Fortis Trust, seeks a Principal to lead a specialist Alternative Provision serving vulnerable learners in Southend. You will shape strategy, drive inclusion, and ensure exceptional safeguarding, attendance and outcomes.

The role requires proven senior leadership, experience in Alternative Provision or PRUs, and the ability to develop staff, build partnerships with families and authorities, and contribute to trust-wide improvement.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience with track record of impact.
• Commitment to improving life chances for vulnerable learners.
• Experience in Alternative Provision, SEMH, PRUs or related settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Victory Park Academy.
• Drive outcomes through high-quality education and inclusive practice.
• Lead academy improvement through self-evaluation and data-informed decisions.
• Develop and inspire a high-performing staff team.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies.
• Ensure safeguarding, attendance and behaviour outcomes are excellent.
• Promote aspiration, belonging and achievement; contribute to Trust-wide leadership.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Inclusion & safeguarding

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Team development

Job description

• Salary: Leadership Scale L23-L27
• Location: Victory Park Academy, Southend
• Contract: Full Time, Permanent
• Start Date: January 2027 (or sooner by negotiation)

Lead with Purpose. Transform Futures.

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.

About Victory Park Academy

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
• Restorative principles
• 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.

About Fortis Trust

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.

The Opportunity

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 leadership and development.
• Champion the vision that every child and young person can succeed regardless of their starting point or barriers to learning.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has successful senior leadership experience and a proven track record of impact.
• Is passionate about improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people.
• Has experience within Alternative Provision, SEMH, specialist education, PRUs or related settings.
• Is an inspirational and resilient leader who develops others.
• Can secure rapid and sustained school improvement.
• Builds positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and professionals.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Has excellent strategic, operational and financial leadership skills.
• Shares the values, vision and ambitions of Fortis Trust.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a truly life-changing provision.
• A collaborative and supportive Trust culture.
• Access to high-quality professional development and executive coaching.
• The opportunity to influence Trust-wide strategy and improvement.
• A comprehensive employee wellbeing and benefits offer.
• Professional challenge, support and growth within a successful and expanding trust.
• Access to a strong network of experienced academy, provision and trust leaders.
• The opportunity to work alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to making a difference every day.

Why Join Victory Park Academy?

This is more than a Principalship.

It is an opportunity to transform lives, shape futures and lead a community where every young person is given the opportunity to succeed, belong and thrive.

You will have the autonomy to lead your academy, the support of an experienced Trust, and the chance to make a lasting difference to children, young people, families and communities.

For the right leader, this role offers the opportunity to build something truly special.

Key Dates

Advertisement Opens: Monday 21 September 2026

Application Deadline: 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

Start Date: January 2027 (or sooner by negotiation)

Visits Welcome

We warmly welcome visits from prospective applicants.

This provides an opportunity to meet colleagues, experience the academy's culture first‑hand and learn more about the exciting opportunities available within Victory Park Academy and Fortis Trust.

To arrange a visit or confidential discussion, please contact:

Landi Muca
Director of Educational Excellence & Improvement

[e-mail]

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you believe every child deserves a champion, we would love to hear from you.