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- 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: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating lasting change in education.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Comberford Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 9AA, United Kingdom
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
Organisation: 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 at recruitment@liftschools.org.
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 safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils; we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. 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 employer: Schoolsweek
Contact Detail:
Schoolsweek Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Schools on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Lift Schools' values and recent achievements. Tailor your answers to reflect how your leadership style aligns with their mission of delivering excellent education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic vision! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Lift Rawlett into its next phase.
✨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 take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Principal
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 at Lift Schools, so don’t hold back on sharing your vision for transforming schools!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Executive Principal role. Highlight your experience in driving improvement and building strong cultures, as these are key aspects we’re looking for in a candidate.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schoolsweek
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, dive deep into Lift Schools' mission and values. Understand their commitment to high expectations and inclusion. This will help you align your responses with their goals and demonstrate that you're the right fit for their ambitious vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it fosters a thriving environment for both staff and students. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement and built strong relationships in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as improving curriculum or managing behaviour. Think through potential scenarios and outline your strategic responses, showcasing your problem-solving skills and moral purpose.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready about the school's future plans and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Lift Schools is the right place for you.
