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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community, driving strategic vision and excellence in education.
- Company: Lift Schools, a diverse network dedicated to delivering exceptional education for every child.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, professional development, and wellbeing cash plan.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact in a thriving community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for improving student outcomes.
- Other info: Join a supportive network with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 113646 - 130274 £ per year.
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 (or earlier if possible)
We're looking for an exceptional Principal to lead Lift Firth Park into its next chapter. This is your chance to shape a school on the rise, one that's proud of its identity, rooted in its community, and ambitious for every child.
About the role
This role is for a leader who can think strategically and act decisively, someone with a strong track record of improving outcomes, building culture, and growing people. You'll work closely with our Regional Education Director, who knows the school inside out, having served as Principal before stepping into their regional role. You'll also have the full backing of our central team and the wider Lift Schools network. Together, we'll make Lift Firth Park a school where every student thrives, every day.
About Lift Firth Park
Lift Firth Park is a vibrant, mixed secondary school for students aged 11-16. The school is at the heart of a diverse Sheffield community and is currently undergoing rapid and sustained improvement. Located in Shiregreen, we serve around 1,200 pupils and reflect a richly diverse community, with more than a third of students speaking English as an additional language. Lift Firth Park has a strong sense of community and has built very strong partnerships locally, including with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, and many local, community organisations.
Our values are:
- Worldwide: We are cultivating the citizens of tomorrow and developing well rounded individuals.
- Culture: We care about the fundamentals of learning and want learning to be fun and joyous.
- Excellence is a habit: We believe that high expectations lead to children being successful and performing to a high standard.
- Aim High: We don't make excuses for our pupils, our teachers or our leaders - and we don't want them to make excuses for themselves.
- Individuals matter: All pupils, no matter their background, beliefs or identity are equal members of our community.
- Community and family: We put people at the heart of everything we do.
We're proud of the progress we're making and we are ready for more. We're looking for a Principal to lead that journey.
Why this role is for you
You're someone who:
- Believes every child can achieve, regardless of background
- Thrives on strategic thinking and visible, everyday leadership
- Builds strong, values-led school cultures
- Has a proven record of improving outcomes
- Can lead a team with clarity and compassion
- Values the power of collaboration across a trust
As Principal, you'll:
- Lead the school's strategic vision and day-to-day operations
- Champion excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum
- Build an inclusive culture of high expectations
- Forge strong relationships across school and community
- Contribute to improvement across the wider Lift network
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 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 looking for
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.
Whether you are an experienced principal or an aspiring head 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 us.
Closing date: Sunday 1 February 2026
Interview dates: Tuesday 3rd February 2026 (Lift Firth Park - Sheffield) and Wednesday 4th February 2026 (Ed City- London)
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 inline 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.
Principal in Sheffield employer: Lift Firth Park
Contact Detail:
Lift Firth Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Firth Park 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
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've built strong school cultures and improved outcomes. We want to see your passion for education and community!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare thoughtful questions! Ask about the school's vision and how you can contribute to its growth. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to dive into the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining the Lift Schools network right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in students' lives and how you align with our values at Lift Firth Park.
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, be sure to include specific examples of how you've improved outcomes or built strong cultures in previous roles. We love concrete evidence of your success!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique aspects of Lift Firth Park and our community. Show us that you understand our mission and how you can contribute to our journey.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Firth Park
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Lift Firth Park thoroughly. Understand its values, community involvement, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's culture. Share specific examples of how you've improved outcomes and built strong teams in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and visible leadership.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
Lift Firth Park values strong community ties, so be ready to talk about how you've fostered relationships with local organisations in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've led that involved collaboration with parents, local businesses, or community groups.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the school's future direction, challenges, and opportunities. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the school's mission and community.