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’re looking for an exceptional Principal to guide Lift Firth Park into its next exciting chapter. This is your chance to shape a vibrant school that is proud of its identity, deeply rooted in its community, and ambitious for every child.
About the Role
Lift Schools is on the lookout for an experienced Principal to spearhead Lift Firth Park’s journey of improvement. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned leader to build on strong foundations and drive the long-term success of a school that is clearly on an upward trajectory.
As a Principal, you will:
* Lead the strategic direction and daily life of the school
* Secure 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
What We’re Looking For
We seek a leader who combines strategic clarity with decisive action. You should have:
* A proven track record of sustained school improvement
* Demonstrable impact on pupil outcomes and life chances
* Experience in building disciplined, inclusive, high-expectation cultures
* Integrity and compassion in your leadership style
* A passion for influencing improvement beyond your own school
About Lift Firth Park
Lift Firth Park is a dynamic 11-16 secondary school at the heart of a diverse Sheffield community, serving around 1,200 pupils. With over a third of our students speaking English as an additional language, we reflect the richness of our local area.
Our school is experiencing rapid and sustained improvement, characterized by high expectations and a clear sense of purpose. Strong partnerships with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, and local organizations enhance opportunities for our pupils, making us a cornerstone of the community.
Why Join Lift Schools?
At Lift Schools, we believe that talent drives performance. Here’s how we support you:
* 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 Looking For
We seek 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 dedicated 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.