At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school transformation and drive high-quality teaching and outcomes.
- Company: Lift Schools, a diverse network of 58 schools committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and lead a thriving school community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a track record of driving improvement.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive leadership salary, with an additional discretionary payment available for an exceptional candidate + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits.
Start date: September 2026.
Lift Schools is seeking an exceptional Executive Principal to lead an ambitious and exciting next phase of transformation at Lift Rawlett. This is a rare opportunity for a values-driven, strategic leader to build on strong foundations and take a rapidly improving school even further, working alongside our Regional Education Director, Nabila Jiwa. You will also offer executive leadership across the region.
A school on the rise: The school is on a rapid improvement journey. It has recently secured the best GCSE results in Tamworth, and continues to strengthen its culture, curriculum and outcomes. At the heart of this progress is a deep belief in what young people can achieve. Together with staff, students and families, we are creating a school where:
- High expectations are the norm
- Relationships are strong and respectful
- Classrooms are calm, focused and purposeful
- The curriculum is rigorous, relevant and ambitious
- Kindness, inclusion and aspiration shape daily life
You will join a team that is already making real change happen and is ready for the next step.
About the role: As Executive Principal, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall accountability for standards and quality within the school, while also contributing to improvement across Lift Schools. You will:
- Lead the school's strategic direction and improvement journey, ensuring sustained excellence
- Work in close partnership with the Head of School to deliver a clear, ambitious improvement plan
- Drive high-quality teaching, curriculum development and strong outcomes for every pupil
- Create a culture of high expectations, strong behaviour and exceptional inclusion
- Build a school community rooted in care, belief and ambition
- Ensure effective operational, financial and people systems are in place to support long-term success
- Provide regional support up to one day per week, coaching leaders and contributing to wider school improvement activity across Lift
Who we’re looking for: We are looking for a leader who:
- Has a proven track record of driving sustained improvement and strong outcomes
- Leads with clarity, warmth and moral purpose
- Builds cultures where staff thrive and pupils flourish
- Understands how to strengthen curriculum and teaching at scale
- Is ambitious, resilient and committed to collaborative leadership across a trust
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 Executive Principal, you’ll receive sector-leading professional development and wellbeing support, including:
- An individual development account of up to £100,000 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.
Whether you are an experienced Principal or an existing Executive Principal and 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 18 March 2026, 5:00pm.
Interview date: Wednesday 25 March 2026 (Lift Rawlett) and Monday 30 March 2026 (Ed City, London).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people 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.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Executive Principal in London employer: Lift Rawlett
Contact Detail:
Lift Rawlett Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Principal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend events, and engage with others on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their recent achievements and challenges, so you can tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their journey of improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement and fostered a positive culture in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands what it takes to lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Principal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering an excellent education to every child.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your track record of driving improvement and achieving strong outcomes. We love seeing concrete evidence of your successes and how they relate to the role of Executive Principal.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you can build on the strong foundations at Lift Rawlett. We’re looking for someone who understands our unique context and can take us to the next level.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Rawlett
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for the school. Think about how you can articulate your strategic direction and improvement plans clearly. This will show that you’re not just a leader but a visionary who can inspire others.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sustained improvement in previous roles. Highlight measurable outcomes and the impact of your leadership on both staff and students. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Lift Rawlett through its next phase of transformation.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Lift Schools values collaborative leadership, so be ready to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships with staff, students, and families. Share instances where you’ve fostered a culture of inclusion and high expectations, as this aligns perfectly with their ethos.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the school's current initiatives and future goals. Inquire about the challenges they face and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This will demonstrate your commitment to being an active part of the team.