At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead science excellence and inspire students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Lift Firth Park, a diverse secondary school in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension, healthcare, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on student well-being and academic excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of science education and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in science, PGCE, and proven track record in teaching.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posted on: 29/05/2026 – Application Deadline: 19/06/2026
Salary: Leadership Scale 13‑18, well‑being cash plan, pension scheme (TPS) and additional Lift Schools benefits.
Hours: Full Time (0.8 will also be considered)
Contract: Permanent
Start date: September 2026 or January 2027
Closing date: 18th June
Interview date: 26th June
About Lift Firth Park
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 seeing positive impact across the curriculum and culture.
As Assistant Principal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the school. You will lead on key whole‑school priorities while spearheading the development of science across all year groups and subjects. You will drive a culture where scientific thinking is visible, valued and consistently applied, ensuring high‑quality pedagogy is embedded across departments and staff deliver engaging, rigorous, inclusive science teaching.
Key responsibilities
- Drive whole‑school science excellence.
- Lead the strategic vision for science across the school.
- Promote a culture of science fluency and confidence for all learners.
- Embed robust, evidence‑informed pedagogical approaches across departments.
- Use data intelligently to identify gaps, inform interventions and raise outcomes.
- Ensure consistency and high expectations in science teaching across all key stages.
- Play a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole‑school strategy and improvement.
- Lead on designated strategic priorities that drive academic excellence and student well‑being.
- Line‑manage teaching and support staff, providing clarity, coaching and high‑quality professional development.
- Uphold and promote outstanding standards of teaching, learning and behaviour across the school.
- Model and embed the values and ethos of Lift Firth Park in all aspects of leadership.
Essential skills and experience
- A degree in a science subject (or a related subject), PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status.
- A strong track record of excellent classroom practice and raising student achievement in science.
- Evidence‑informed science pedagogy and curriculum design experience.
- Proven experience of improving outcomes within a UK secondary school setting.
- The ability to inspire, develop and influence colleagues at all levels.
Desirable
- Experience leading whole‑school or cross‑curricular initiatives.
- Experience supporting schools in challenging contexts or driving rapid improvement.
Benefits
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training.
- Generous benefits: Pension, healthcare, financial support and other Lift Schools benefits.
- Lifestyle perks: Discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
Equality & Diversity
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and provide a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Contact For more information about this role, please contact alaking@liftschools.org.
Assistant Principal (Science) in Sheffield employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Lift Firth Park is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a well-being cash plan and pension scheme, and a vibrant school culture that values diversity and inclusion, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in the heart of Sheffield, this role as Assistant Principal (Science) provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative educational initiatives while fostering a love for science among a diverse student body.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal (Science) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Lift Firth Park on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in an Assistant Principal.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent changes and achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about contributing to their exciting transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and pedagogy. Let’s make sure we can articulate our vision for science education clearly and confidently!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the Lift Firth Park team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal (Science) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Principal (Science). Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved student outcomes in science. We want to see your impact, so be proud of your successes and let them shine through!
Be Authentic:Let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for science education and how you can contribute to our vibrant school community.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in science education and pedagogy. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement evidence-informed approaches in the classroom and across the school. This shows your commitment to driving excellence in science.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Principal, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to inspire and influence others. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives or improved outcomes in a previous role. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing staff.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Lift Firth Park's ethos and current strategic priorities. Be ready to discuss how your vision for science aligns with their goals, especially during this transformational period. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, challenges they face, and how they measure success in science education. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
