Academies Director in Rochester

Our mission is to ensure the best start in life possible for the young people in our academies and in doing so make the world a better place. We are now seeking an Academies Director to oversee a group of 8-12 geographically organised and cross-phase academies on behalf of the Trust to ensure strong educational outcomes for all pupils. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for the right candidate with a commitment to system-wide leadership.

The successful candidate will currently be an outstanding Principal or Executive Principal in primary and/or secondary phases. They will have a strong track‑record of success in their current role and ideally experience across a range of school settings. A good knowledge and/or desire to learn more about all phases of education from age 3 to 19 is highly desirable. Demonstrating a commitment to International Baccalaureate curriculum programmes for all year groups is essential, as well as our digital strategy and small school approach to education.

We are looking for someone who is firmly committed to the ambitions of LAT and believes in the transformative power of education. You will lead, challenge and support all Principals across your cluster working closely with the Chief Executive and other Trust executives to help our academies reach their full potential. You will report directly to the CEO, be part of the LAT central team and hold Trust‑wide strategic responsibilities to be agreed with the successful candidate. You can be sure of very considerable opportunities for further development in this career‑defining role as part of one of the UK’s largest and most successful multi‑academy trusts.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be an outstanding and inspirational leader (Principal, Executive Principal or MAT central team senior executive);
• Have a proven track record of success in raising pupil attainment;
• Be organised, energetic and passionate about working cross‑Trust;
• Be committed to the LAT ethos of high expectations;
• Have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of learners;
• Be a committed team player.

In return, you will receive:

• A highly competitive salary which reflects your experience and expertise as a senior leader;
• Excellent opportunities to develop your leadership skills and your overall career within a long-established, geographically organised, successful and well-respected multi‑academy trust with all academies based within easy range in the South East of England.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Applying for this Opportunity: Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this. Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with our CEO, Simon Beamish, about this role can arrange for a telephone or video call. Those wishing to do so should contact Emma Johnson (emma.johnson@latrust.org.uk) in the first instance.

Interview date: Thursday 5th March and Friday 6th March 2026.

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Charlotte Herberts (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 245 or charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.