Fortis Trust is delighted to announce that Sutton House Academy and Victory Park Academy officially joined the Trust on 1 September 2026. Based in Southend-on-Sea, the two academies strengthen our shared commitment to delivering exceptional opportunities and outcomes for children and young people with diverse and individual needs.
The Journey
The decision to join Fortis Trust follows many months of collaboration between academy leaders, trustees, governors, the Department for Education, staff, parents and carers. A thorough due diligence process and stakeholder consultation confirmed a strong shared vision and commitment to securing the very best outcomes for pupils and their families.
About Sutton House Academy
Sutton House Academy is a specialist SEMH school supporting children and young people aged 5 to 16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024, the academy is recognised for its nurturing approach, high expectations and commitment to helping every pupil develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive both in education and beyond.
About Victory Park Academy
Victory Park Academy is an alternative provision for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of permanent exclusion, have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or require alternative provision through preventative or specialist pathways.  Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its March 2024 inspection, students are supported to develop the resilience they need as they prepare for adult life.  They are helped to build their confidence, their enjoyment of learning, and aim/prepare for a positive future.
About Sutton House Academy
Sutton House Academy is a specialist SEMH school supporting children and young people aged 5 to 16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024, the academy is recognised for its nurturing approach, high expectations and commitment to helping every pupil develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive both in education and beyond.
About Victory Park Academy
Victory Park Academy is an alternative provision for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of permanent exclusion, have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or require alternative provision through preventative or specialist pathways.  Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its March 2024 inspection, students are supported to develop the resilience they need as they prepare for adult life.  They are helped to build their confidence, their enjoyment of learning, and aim/prepare for a positive future.
Welcoming Our New Colleagues and Pupils
The beginning of September marked an exciting new chapter for both academies. CEO Marie Sweetlove-Smyth spent time with staff during their first INSET Day as members of Fortis Trust, sharing the Trust’s vision, values and plans for the future.Â
As pupils returned for the new academic year, Marie also visited both academies to meet students, answer questions and personally welcome them into the Fortis Trust community. Each pupil received a small welcome gift and handwritten message, reflecting our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and included from day one.
New Developments
During the Summer Break, the staff at Sutton House Academy, Victory Park Academy, and Fortis Trust have been busy to ensure that the transition from their previous trust to our trust was as smooth as possible.Â
As part of our ethos and values, each academy will retain its unique identity and connection to its community, strengthened by its membership of a collaborative and supportive Trust.  Â
Throughout the summer, teams across Sutton House Academy, Victory Park Academy and Fortis Trust worked closely together to ensure a seamless transition. Significant work took place behind the scenes across systems, processes, communication and operational arrangements to provide continuity for pupils, families and staff.Â
While becoming part of Fortis Trust, both academies will continue to retain their own distinctive identities, cultures and community connections. New signage and academy-specific lanyards have been introduced to celebrate each academy’s individuality while recognising their place within the wider Fortis Trust family.
“We are delighted to welcome Sutton House Academy and Victory Park Academy into Fortis Trust. Both academies have a strong reputation for supporting children and young people to thrive, and their values align closely with our own. We look forward to working together, sharing expertise and creating even greater opportunities for young people, families and staff across all our provisions.”
Looking Ahead
As Fortis Trust continues to grow, our focus remains firmly on improving outcomes and life chances for children and young people. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, pupils, families and communities of Sutton House Academy and Victory Park Academy in the years ahead.Â
Together, we will continue to build inclusive, ambitious and life-changing educational experiences for every learner.
Facts about the Academies
| Sutton House Academy | |||||
| Provision Type | Location | Ages | Ofsted | Capacity | Principal |
| SEMH Specialist Provision | Southend-on-Sea | 5-16 | Good (2024) | 80 | Mrs Rachael Wyatt |
| Victory Park Academy | |||||
| Provision Type | Location | Ages | Ofsted | Capacity | Principal |
| Alternative Provision | Southend-on-Sea | 5-16 | Good (2024) | 101 | Mr Landi Muca |