At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate language education across our network of schools.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a leading multi-academy trust transforming education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, healthcare, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for career growth and national travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on thousands of students' lives through language education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in secondary languages leadership and curriculum development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 € per year.
Posted on: 24/04/2026 – Application Deadline: 06/05/2026
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 pro rata + TPS pension + additional benefits
Based: Based from home with frequent travel (funded) to our network of schools and EdCity
Hours: 0.2 – 0.4 FTE, with hours necessary for the demands of the role. Internal applicants would continue their role within their current school for the remaining 0.6-0.8 FTE. External applicants could choose to complete solely this contract or we can support with exploring and arranging additional employment within one of the schools in our network for those wishing to pursue a full time or larger contract.
Start: September
Lift Schools is one of the largest and most ambitious multi-academy trusts in England. With schools across five regions, our mission is clear: to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day. Languages sits at the heart of that mission. We believe that a strong languages experience is a critical component of an excellent education, ensuring that young people have the knowledge, skills and cultural appreciation that support onward success and citizenship.
We are now seeking an expert languages leader to join our central curriculum team part time as National Lead for Languages.
About the role
As a leading member of our central curriculum team and wider education team, you will play a key part in contributing to our education vision, mission, ambition and strategy. You will oversee and drive our strategic approach to languages and its development, offering expert advice, guidance and support. You’ll drive improvements in curriculum, standards and teaching – and therefore outcomes – in languages across all secondary schools in the trust. This role blends strategic development with practical hands‑on support. Working closely with school leaders, teachers and central colleagues, your work will focus on improving languages curriculum quality, teaching practice and pupil outcomes at scale and within specific schools in our network. This means working collaboratively with colleagues, giving advice and counsel and leading by example, including in promoting our shared values and mindsets. Reporting to the Director of Curriculum, you will work alongside regional education directors, heads of department and school leaders, and lead professional networks that build expertise and capacity across the trust. This is a highly influential role, combining vision, expertise and collaboration to make a meaningful difference to thousands of children nationwide.
About you
You are an experienced and credible secondary languages leader with a strong track record of improving languages outcomes and teaching. You hold significant expertise in effective languages education. You are strategic, network-minded and passionate about ensuring excellence as standard. This is a rare opportunity to make a difference to thousands of children and to influence national practice at scale, work alongside a highly committed, values‑driven central curriculum team. There aren't many opportunities to drive your subject forward at a high leadership and impact level with flexible working and (funded) national travel. A real chance to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission
We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
How we support you
At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your teacher pension plan to the benefits of annual leave during most teacher holiday periods, healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and much more.
The role is due to commence September 2026. This is a fixed term position for one year initially: however, Lift Schools is growing so there is scope for successful candidates to transition into a permanent role longer term.
Closing date: 7th May 2026
Interview date: w/c 11th or 18th May 2026
All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. 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. 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.
National Lead for Languages employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Lift Schools is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a transformative education for over 33,000 pupils across the UK. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including a teacher pension plan and lifestyle perks, and a collaborative work culture that values diversity and flexibility, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence national practice in languages education while enjoying the benefits of remote working and funded travel to schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Lead for Languages
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join online forums, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, don’t hold back! Share your insights on languages education and how you've driven improvements in the past. This is your moment to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the National Lead for Languages role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every school and trust has its own vibe and needs. Do your homework on Lift Schools and their mission. When you reach out or interview, align your experiences and ideas with their goals. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their vision.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After interviews or networking chats, drop a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your discussion. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace National Lead for Languages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for in a candidate. Make sure you understand the role and how your experience aligns with our mission at Lift Schools.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the National Lead for Languages role. Highlight your achievements in languages education and how they can help us improve outcomes for our pupils.
Show Your Passion:We love candidates who are passionate about languages and education. Use your application to convey your enthusiasm for the role and our mission. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to improving language education.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the languages curriculum and the specific challenges faced in secondary education. Brush up on recent trends in language teaching and be ready to discuss how you can drive improvements in curriculum quality and teaching practice.
✨Show Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to demonstrate your strategic thinking skills. Think about how you would approach improving languages outcomes across multiple schools. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented strategies that led to measurable improvements.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role is all about collaboration, so think of ways to showcase your ability to work with school leaders and teachers. Prepare examples of how you've built professional networks or led teams to enhance educational practices in your previous roles.
✨Embrace the Mission
Lift Schools has a clear mission to provide excellent education for every child. Make sure you align your personal values with this mission. Be prepared to discuss how your passion for languages and education can contribute to their vision and how you can make a meaningful difference in students' lives.
