PrincipalEDV​/ORA​/

Overview

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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