Director of Educational Excellence & Improvement at Fortis Trust

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/FT/74543

Location

Churchill Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME5 0LB

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

Negotiable, dependent upon experience

Closing Date

Midnight, Fri 17th Apr, 2026

Start Date

September 2026 or January 2027

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

27th April 2026

Interview Date(s) 27th April 2026

About this Role

Join Fortis Trust – Strength in Partnership

Are you an inspiring and experienced system leader ready to shape educational excellence across a growing and ambitious Multi‑Academy Trust?

Fortis Trust is seeking an exceptional Director of Educational Excellence & Improvement to provide strategic leadership for educational standards, teaching and learning, and sustained improvement across our academies and provisions.

About Fortis Trust

Fortis Trust is a family of collaborative and innovative academies and provisions, united by our commitment to improving the life chances of children, young people and communities.. Our Trust includes Bradfields Academy (specialist SEND), Forward2Employment (post-16 supported internships), and Fortis Outreach providing SEND support and training across Medway and Kent.

We are entering an exciting period of growth and development, with new academies joining the Trust, major capital projects underway, and increasing system leadership responsibilities regionally.

The Role

As Director of Educational Excellence & Improvement, you will be the Trust’s strategic lead for educational standards and the quality of teaching and learning. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will champion the Fortis Framework for Excellent Practice and lead the implementation of the Trust’s Quality Assurance Framework, ensuring consistently high‑quality, inclusive education across all academies and provisions.

Working closely with the CEO and Principals, you will set ambitious priorities, evaluate impact, and secure sustained improvement through an effective balance of challenge, support and professional development. The role deputises for the CEO when required, providing continuity of strategic leadership in line with Trust priorities and Board direction.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Quality Assurance and Improvement meetings with Principals, using robust evidence to support challenge and improvement.
Establish and lead subject enhancement and development networks, fostering collaboration and sharing best practice.
Oversee Trust‑wide INSET and professional development focused on improving teaching, learning and leadership.
Support leaders to be Ofsted‑ready, acting as Ofsted Nominee where required.
Work in partnership with the CEO to co‑lead the PTI Primary Hub.
Oversee Careers Education and Continuing Professional Development, shaping staff career pathways across the Trust.
Act as deputy to the CEO when required, representing the Trust with Trustees, regulators and partners, and ensuring continuity of performance, risk management and statutory compliance.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

Degree‑level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Significant senior leadership experience with a sustained track record of school improvement and raising standards.
Deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment across phases.
Experience of quality assurance and leading Ofsted preparation.
High professional integrity, moral purpose and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Desirable:

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., NPQEL, Master’s).
Experience of leadership within a Multi‑Academy Trust or system‑led improvement.
Evidence of innovation and thought leadership in education.

Why Join Fortis Trust?

You will join a Trust that values clarity, professionalism and integrity, offering rich opportunities for system leadership, coaching and collaborative networks. We provide a comprehensive benefits package, high‑quality professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, young people and staff across the region.

How to Apply

Your personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) should clearly explain why you are the person we need, supported by verifiable evidence of your experience, skills and impact. Please include full contact details and two referees (one must be your current or most recent employer).

Send your completed application to: louise.tombs@fortistrust.co.uk

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Marie Sweetlove-Smyth, CEO (marie.sweetlove@fortistrust.co.uk).

Fortis Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Contact Details

  Marie Sweetlove-Smyth
  01634 683990
  marie.sweetlove@fortistrust.co.uk

Fortis Trust would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

Your personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) should clearly explain why you are the person we need, supported by verifiable evidence of your experience, skills and impact. Please include full contact details and two referees (one must be your current or most recent employer).