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

With over 40 schools – currently 32 secondary schools, six primary schools, three alternative provision schools and three special schools, this post is a huge opportunity to have significant impact on the lives of children, families and teachers. It will be a career-defining role for the successful candidate.

You will be responsible for the success of the academies in your region, ensuring every child in every school gets a chance to thrive. You will lead a team of principals, providing the advice, guidance and challenge required to ensure that every school in your region is a great place for pupils to learn, and where staff enjoy fulfilling careers.

You will be highly visible within your region, with the autonomy and flexibility to manage your own movements.

Naturally, you will be a successful leader with a proven track record of sustained school improvement. You will play a key role within Ormiston, contributing to the development of our strategy and culture and role modelling our ethos of ‘Achieving More Together’. You will play an important leadership role – demonstrating the ability to lead and work successfully across your region, while collaborating closely with fellow education directors across the Ormiston network, providing wider support as necessary.

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.  

There’s nothing more important than educating the next generation, and our teams across Ormiston are continuing to undertake excellent work to make sure that the opportunities we provide have the greatest impact for every child and young person. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with 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 – receiving bespoke and holistic support from 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 

About you

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of delivering outstanding educational outcomes at scale across secondary school settings. Whether as a Headteacher, Executive Principal, Regional Director, or in a similar capacity, you will bring deep expertise in driving improvement and fostering collaboration across multiple sites. Your leadership style will align with our trust's ethos and values, demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and the belief in education’s transformative power for young people.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in leading across complex, multi-site educational environments, managing relationships with key stakeholders such as Ofsted, the Department for Education, and local authorities. With strong organisational and operational capabilities, you will have a history of implementing high-quality systems, driving change, and achieving measurable outcomes. Essential qualifications include a degree, a recognised teaching qualification, and comprehensive knowledge of educational policy and strategic programme management.

We are looking for an inspiring communicator with sound judgment, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead teams toward shared goals. Financial acumen, IT proficiency, and the ability to manage under pressure are crucial.

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.

Benefits that care for you 

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools. 

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;

• Generous pension and life cover
• 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.
• Private Health Insurance 

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

If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity further, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our retained consultant Will Bridge on 07825 346535 or at wbridge@academicis.co.uk to arrange a confidential conversation. 

The closing date for applications is midday on 1 May 2025 with interviews being held on Friday 9 and Monday 12 May. 

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

Ormiston Academies Trust 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