Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more 

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. 

About this role

An exceptional opportunity awaits an inspirational leader to guide Ormiston Rivers Academy into its next chapter of success from September 2026.

As Principal, your leadership will make the academy a place of excellence for students and a workplace where staff feel valued and inspired. You will be the driving force behind the academy’s future, setting the vision and leading its success.

Beyond your school, your vision will strengthen the wider Trust and enhance its reputation across the sector. At Ormiston, we value your expertise, experience, and passion to inspire excellence and deliver success. This is more than a position—it’s a chance to transform lives and shape the future of education.

About you

You are an experienced and inspiring leader who shares our vision and is committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of school life—curriculum, teaching and learning, and pastoral care—for the benefit of every student and their family.

You bring a proven and credible track record as a Principal or Deputy Head, demonstrating the ability to lead with confidence and integrity. You understand the importance of collaboration and have the maturity to unite teams, foster strong relationships, and drive progress across the academy and the wider Trust.

Above all, you believe in the transformative power of education to change lives. You combine intellectual strength with exceptional interpersonal skills and operational expertise, enabling you to deliver improvement every day—locally within the academy and nationally as part of a forward-thinking organisation.

About Ormiston Rivers Academy

Ormiston Rivers Academy is based in Essex. The school is an 11-19 co-educational academy with 1,077 students.

At Ormiston Rivers, we believe education is about more than just qualifications, it is about preparing young people for life. We work tirelessly to ensure our students aim high, embrace ambition, and develop the confidence, resilience, and character needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our mission is simple: every student will progress, thrive, and ultimately give back to the communities that shaped them.

Our curriculum ensures that academic success, creativity, problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning and enable them to become well-rounded, global citizens.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

Benefits that care for you 

When you join us at Ormiston, you can expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role. Our benefits package includes:  

• 42 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Membership of TPS 
• Private health insurance
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service. 
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform. 
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Automatic pay progression 
• Flexible working arrangements 

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust 

Relocation assistance may be available to support the successful candidate.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you. 

For further information about this exciting leadership opportunity, please contact our recruitment partner, Chris Gartner from Think Leadership on 07454 679 918 or via email to chris.gartner@thinkrecruitment.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 9 February 2026, with interviews being held on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February 2026 at Ormiston Rivers Academy. Shortlisted candidates will be notified on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

More information about this post and the role of a Principal within Ormiston is available in the accompanying information pack. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Ormiston Rivers Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered.   

 All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.  

 The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974