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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant primary school, ensuring high-quality teaching and nurturing a positive culture.
- Company: Lift Cottingley, a diverse and inclusive primary school at the heart of its community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, wellbeing support, and extensive professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for educational excellence.
- Other info: Join a committed team dedicated to transforming education for every child.
The predicted salary is between 73105 - 80655 ÂŁ per year.
Organisation: Schools Directorate, Primary Schools Service Area, Lift Cottingley
Hours: Full Time
Location(s): Leeds and surrounding areas
Position type: Permanent
Grade: L15-L19
Salary: ÂŁ73,105-ÂŁ80,655 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Start date: September 2026 (or earlier if possible)
We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to provide strong, visible leadership at Lift Cottingley, a happy, inclusive and ambitious primary school at the heart of its community. This is a fantastic opportunity for a values‑led leader who brings energy, positivity and clarity to their work, and who believes deeply in the power of great teaching to transform lives.
About The Role: As Head of School, you will lead the day‑to‑day life of the school, working closely with the Regional Executive Principal, Kelly Bentley, the Lift Schools network and regional support team. You will play a central role in driving high‑quality teaching and learning, nurturing culture, and ensuring that every child receives an excellent education, every day. You will be a leader who models great teaching, coaches and develops others, and leads from the front. Teaching and learning is a key priority at Cottingley, with a strong focus on instructional excellence, inclusion and oracy. This role would suit someone who thrives in a diverse, community‑focused setting and who brings resilience, warmth and relentless positivity to their leadership.
About Lift Cottingley: Lift Cottingley is a one‑form entry primary school with a 2‑ and 3‑year‑old nursery, serving a richly diverse community where over 30 languages are spoken. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong relationships and high expectations.
The School Benefits From:
- Extensive outdoor space, including Forest School and OPAL play
- Dedicated art and kitchen spaces
- Strong use of technology to support personalised learning
- A recognised Voice 21 Centre of Excellence for Oracy and IQM Centre of Excellence
- A committed, loyal staff team who are proud to work here
There is a real sense of joy, care and ambition throughout the school, alongside a strong commitment to inclusion and SEND.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Is resilient, optimistic and deeply positive
- Models excellent classroom practice and instructional leadership
- Coaches and develops staff with clarity and care
- Leads with warmth while holding high expectations
- Believes every child can succeed, regardless of background
- Thrives as part of a collaborative trust rather than working in isolation
Who We Are: Lift Schools is a network of 58 schools across the country. We are diverse, inclusive and united by a single mission: to deliver an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
What We Offer You: As a Lift Schools Head of School, you’ll receive sector‑leading professional development and wellbeing support, including:
- An individual development account of up to ÂŁ100,000 over five years
- Unlimited one‑to‑one executive coaching
- Evidence‑informed professional learning opportunities
- A year‑long induction programme
- Study tours and immersive CPD experiences
- Professional sabbatical eligibility after five years
- Relocation package available
We Want Leaders Who Are:
- 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 senior leader ready for the next step, if you are driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal, confidential conversation, please contact Tanya Bentham.
Closing date: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 24th March 2026 (Lift Cottingley)
Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process 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.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Head of School - Lift Cottingley in Leeds employer: Coach Falcon's Fit Bodies
Contact Detail:
Coach Falcon's Fit Bodies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Lift Cottingley in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Cottingley and ask about their experiences. This insider info can give you a leg up in interviews and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education! When you get the chance to chat with the hiring team, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that energy and commitment to transforming lives through teaching.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle challenges related to inclusion and oracy. We love candidates who can demonstrate resilience and positivity in tough situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lift Schools family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Lift Cottingley in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see how you fit into our vision at Lift Cottingley, so highlight your experience and values that align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a Head of School, your leadership style is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate how you model great teaching and support staff development. Share specific examples that reflect your resilience, positivity, and commitment to inclusion.
Be Authentic and Personal: We love seeing the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and how you believe in every child's potential to succeed, regardless of their background.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Lift Cottingley. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coach Falcon's Fit Bodies
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with Lift Cottingley's mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles, especially in leadership positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to instructional leadership and how you model excellent teaching practices. Think of concrete examples where you've coached and developed staff, and be ready to explain how you maintain high expectations while fostering a supportive environment.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
Since Lift Cottingley serves a diverse community, highlight your experience working in similar settings. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with families and engage the community in the school’s mission, showcasing your commitment to inclusion and diversity.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about their current initiatives for improving teaching and learning, or ask how they support staff development. This shows you're not just interested in the position but also in contributing to the school's success.