Join Us as Principal at Lift Firth Park!
Salary: L33-L39, £113,646 - £130,274 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Start Date: September 2026
Closing Date: 9:00am, 13th April 2026
Interview Dates: Friday 17th April 2026 (Lift Firth Park) and Monday 20th April 2026 (Ed City)
Are you ready to lead a school on the rise? We are looking for an exceptional Principal to guide Lift Firth Park into its next exciting chapter!
About the Role
Lift Schools is on the hunt for a dynamic and experienced Principal to spearhead Lift Firth Park's journey of improvement. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to build on a solid foundation and shape the long-term success of a school that is clearly on an upward trajectory.
As our new Principal, you will:
* Lead with strategic clarity and decisive action.
* Work closely with our Regional Education Director, Nigel Whittle, who brings invaluable insights from his previous role as Principal.
* Receive full support from our central team and the wider Lift Schools network.
This role is perfect for current or former Principals with a proven track record in school improvement, ready to extend their impact. Lift Firth Park offers a fantastic platform to consolidate success, strengthen culture, and deliver lasting outcomes for our pupils and the community.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will:
* Have a proven track record of sustained school improvement.
* Demonstrate measurable impact on pupil outcomes and life chances.
* Show evidence of building disciplined, inclusive, high-expectation cultures.
* Lead with clarity, integrity, and compassion.
* Thrive in high challenge/high support environments.
* Be motivated to influence improvement beyond their own school.
Your Responsibilities
As Principal, you will:
* Lead the strategic direction and daily operations of the school.
* Ensure excellence in teaching, learning, and curriculum.
* Embed a culture of high expectations, belonging, and inclusion.
* Develop, support, and retain high-performing staff.
* Build strong partnerships with families and the community.
* Contribute to improvement across the Lift Schools network and the wider system.
About Lift Firth Park
Lift Firth Park is a vibrant and ambitious 11-16 secondary school located in the heart of a diverse Sheffield community. With around 1,200 pupils, the school reflects the richness of its local area, with over a third of students speaking English as an additional language.
We are experiencing rapid and sustained improvement, characterized by strong momentum, high expectations, and a clear sense of purpose. Our deep partnerships with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, and local organizations enhance opportunities for our pupils and position the school as a cornerstone of the community.
About Lift Schools
We are a diverse, inclusive network of 58 schools united by one mission: to deliver an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. We believe every child deserves the best, regardless of background or ability, and we need outstanding leaders to make this happen.
How We’ll Support You
At Lift Schools, we believe that talent drives performance. You’ll benefit from:
* An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five years.
* Experiential learning opportunities, including study tours.
* One-to-one unlimited executive coaching.
* High-quality, evidence-informed professional development.
* A year-long induction programme.
* The option of a professional sabbatical after five years.
* A relocation package if moving for the role.
Who We’re Seeking
We are looking for a leader who is:
* Self-aware: Thriving in high challenge, high support environments.
* Network-minded: Committed to improving outcomes across all schools.
* Intellectually curious: Eager to use evidence-informed approaches to drive success.
If you are an experienced Principal ready for a new opportunity, driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change, we would love to hear from you!
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Interview Dates: Week commencing 20th April 2026
Lift Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including 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.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.