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Director of Education & Improvement - Full-time

Fortis Trust

  • Ref:KCC-F87-3-L
  • Posted:18/12/2025
  • Pay:L23 – L27 (£88,951 to £98,106)
  • Start Date:ASAP or April 2026
  • App Close Date:19/01/2026 at 23:45
  • Interviews:26th & 27th January 2026

Advert

Salary Range: L23 – L27 (£88,951 to £98,106)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Medway, Kent
Start Date: ASAP or April 2026
Closing Date: 19th January 2026
Shortlisting: 20th January 2026
Interviews: 26th & 27th January 2026

Join Fortis Trust – Strength in Partnership:

Are you an inspiring and experienced leader ready to drive educational excellence across a dynamic and growing Multi Academy Trust? Fortis Trust is seeking a visionary Director of Education & Improvement to lead our system-wide ambition for outstanding outcomes and innovative practice.

The Role:

As Director of Education & Improvement, you will be the Trust’s strategic lead for educational standards and the quality of teaching and learning. You will champion our Framework for Excellent Practice, drive the implementation of our Quality Assurance Framework, and ensure every academy delivers ambitious, inclusive, and evidence-informed teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead Quality Assurance and Improvement meetings with Principals, using robust evidence to challenge, support, and drive improvement.
  • Establish and lead subject enhancement and development networks, fostering collaboration and sharing best practice.
  • Oversee Trust-wide INSET days and professional development, focused on improving teaching, learning, and leadership.
  • Support leaders to be Ofsted ready, acting as Ofsted Nominee and ensuring robust inspection preparation.
  • Work in partnership with the CEO to lead the PTI Primary Hub, raising standards and deepening professional learning.
  • Oversee Careers Education and CPD, shaping staff career pathways across the Trust.

What We Are Looking For:

Essential:

  • Degree-level qualification in education or related field and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
  • Significant experience as a leader with a sustained record of school improvement and raising standards.
  • Deep understanding of curriculum development, pedagogy, and assessment across all key stages.
  • Experience in quality assurance of teaching and learning, and Ofsted preparation.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate teams, with high professional integrity and moral purpose.

Desirable:

  • Postgraduate qualification (e.g., NPQEL, Master’s).
  • Experience in Multi-Academy Trust leadership, system-led improvement, and outreach.
  • Evidence of innovation and thought leadership in education.

Why Join Us?

Fortis Trust offers rich opportunities for system leadership, coaching, and collaborative networks. We value clarity, professionalism, and integrity, and provide a comprehensive package of staff benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and high-quality professional development. You will have the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and staff across the region.

How to Apply:

Applications must be made using the Fortis Trust application form. Your personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) should succinctly explain why you are the person we need, providing verifiable evidence of your experience, skills, abilities, and knowledge. 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, contact Marie Sweetlove-Smyth, CEO (via louise.tombs@fortistrust.co.uk).

Information about the federation

Fortis Trust strives to provide high quality education as a result of strong partnerships between its academies, institutions and local partners. We support and assist schools in enhancing existing talents and strengths, ensuring all children achieve highly in their academic and personal development. Our curriculums are child-centred; tailored to the needs and aspirations of each partner school and their children.

Bradfields Academy is an outstanding Specialist SEND Academy, for children with learning needs and associated disabilities aged 4-19 years. Bradfields Academy has been recognised as a highly innovative and forward thinking academy involved in SEN educational development at a local and national level. Located in Walderslade, Kent and situated within easy reach of local transport.

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Medway, Kent and the South East to find permanent and purposeful employment.

We passionately believe that all young people should be given the opportunity to work in their local community, to feel valued and have a place in society.

We provide Supported Internships for young adults. Supported Internships are a structured study programme based primarily at a place of employment.

Job Contact Information

  • Name:Lesley Harris
  • Address:Bradfields Academy,
    Churchill Avenue,
    Chatham ,
    Chatham ,
    Kent,
    ME5 0LB
  • Telephone: 01634 683990
  • Email: lesley.harris@fortistrust.co.uk

Fax:

Documents

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.