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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a creative team in Art, Design and Technology.
- Company: Join Lift Firth Park, a vibrant school committed to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, generous benefits, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives during an exciting transformation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a proven track record in education.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posted on: 16/01/2026 – Application Deadline: 03/02/2026
Address: Fircroft Avenue, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 0SD, United Kingdom
Salary: M1-6/ UPR (TRL) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Maternity Cover - Fixed term
Start date: April 2026
Closing date: 4th February 2026
Interview date: 10th - 12th February
Lift Firth Park are seeking a passionate and driven Director of Learning for Art, Design and Technology (Engineering) to lead and develop these subjects during an exciting period of rapid transformational change. This is a key leadership role for an inspiring practitioner who is committed to raising standards, improving outcomes for all learners, and delivering a creative, ambitious curriculum. The successful candidate will bring energy, innovation, and high expectations to ensure students achieve exceptional progress and are fully prepared for future pathways.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and motivating a passionate Art, Design and Technology team
- Designing and delivering an ambitious, engaging curriculum
- Supporting teachers to be their best through coaching and feedback
- Using assessment and data to drive progress and close gaps
- Creating calm, focused classrooms where students can thrive
- Playing a key role in Lift’s mission: an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.
What we are looking for:
- Proven track record of raising attainment and improving outcomes in relevant subjects
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop a high-performing team
- Excellent classroom practice with a commitment to outstanding teaching and learning
- Experience in curriculum planning, assessment, and driving effective intervention strategies
- Resilient, proactive, and committed to supporting rapid school improvement and change
This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people.
About our school:
Lift Firth Park is a vibrant, mixed secondary school for students aged 11–16. Located in Shiregreen, Sheffield, 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. The school is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformational change, and we are already seeing its positive impact; in the classroom, across the curriculum and throughout our culture. This is an excellent time to join our team. We are looking for individuals who share our dedication to inclusive, aspirational education and who are excited to contribute to our renewed vision and ambitious future.
We would warmly welcome visits to the school, please contact Nichola Butler - School Operations Manager - nbutler1@liftfirthpark.org.
Who is Lift Schools?
We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute’s Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
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.
Safeguarding and Equality Statements
Lift Schools is 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 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. 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.
Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Further details can be found on our careers page.
Director of Art, Design and Technology (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield employer: Meadsteadprimaryacademy
Contact Detail:
Meadsteadprimaryacademy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Art, Design and Technology (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lift Firth Park. Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would lead a team or improve student outcomes. Use specific examples from your past experiences to show how you’ve made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for Art, Design, and Technology shine through. Talk about innovative ideas you have for the curriculum and how you plan to inspire both students and staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Art, Design and Technology (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Art, Design and Technology shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of providing an excellent education for every child.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and achievements in raising attainment and improving outcomes. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to outstanding teaching.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to connect your experiences to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, and don’t forget to express your excitement about joining our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about Lift Schools and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meadsteadprimaryacademy
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in Art, Design, and Technology education. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum specifics and be ready to discuss how you would design and deliver an engaging programme that meets the needs of diverse learners.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experiences and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve coached teachers or led initiatives that improved student outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you use assessment and data to drive progress. Have examples on hand that illustrate how you’ve identified gaps in learning and implemented effective intervention strategies to close those gaps. This shows your commitment to raising standards.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Given the diverse community at Lift Firth Park, it’s crucial to express your dedication to inclusive education. Share your experiences working with students from various backgrounds and how you’ve adapted your teaching methods to ensure every child thrives in the classroom.
