Assistant Principal (Literacy)

Salary: L13-17 + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Start date: May 2026 or September 2026 (an earlier start date is also negotiable)

Closing date: 12th March

Interview date: Friday 20th March or Monday 23rd March (TBC)

Lead our literacy revolution. Transform futures. Shape a culture of reading excellence.

Think you know Lift Unity City? It might surprise you

Lift Unity City is fast becoming the local school of choice as we are driven by an unwavering commitment to transforming futures, breaking social stereotypes, and ensuring every student secures excellent life opportunities. This is an exciting time for an ambitious leader to join our team and play a key role in our journey of transformation.

Literacy changes lives

At Lift Unity City, we believe literacy changes lives, as a result we are seeking an exceptional Assistant Principal (Literacy) to join our Senior Leadership Team and drive an ambitious whole-school reading strategy that improves outcomes, raises reading ages, and builds a culture where literacy thrives across every subject and every classroom.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an inspirational leader who is passionate about reading, driven by impact, and committed to ensuring every child receives an excellent education, in every classroom, every day.

Why this role matters:

As Assistant Principal, you will be at the heart of our strategic leadership, shaping the quality of education and ensuring outstanding teaching, learning, and behaviour standards. You will lead transformative literacy initiatives across the school, embedding reading across the curriculum and working with families and the wider community to improve student outcomes.

You will champion high expectations, develop staff, and help build an aspirational, inclusive environment where all students succeed regardless of background.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive whole-school literacy.
• Lead the strategic vision for literacy across all subject areas.
• Implement evidence-based reading initiatives to improve reading ages and student outcomes.
• Promote a culture of reading for pleasure and academic success.
• Develop outreach initiatives with parents and carers to support literacy beyond the classroom.
• Analyse student progress data to inform targeted interventions and drive improvement.
• Provide exceptional leadership.
• Play a key role within the Senior Leadership Team.
• Support delivery of the school improvement plan and strategic priorities.
• Line manage Heads of Department and support staff, developing talent through coaching and performance management.
• Lead whole-school policies and strategies that drive academic excellence and student wellbeing.

We are seeking a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:

Essential

• A degree in an English/Literacy-related subject, PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status.
• A strong track record of excellent classroom practice and improving student outcomes.
• Successful leadership of UK school improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing staff and influencing colleagues.
• Excellent communication, analytical and leadership skills.
• A deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and educational excellence.

Desirable

• Experience improving reading ages and literacy outcomes.
• NPQSL or similar leadership development.
• Understanding of barriers to literacy and community outreach approaches.
• Above all, you will be driven by moral purpose, intellectually curious, resilient, and committed to transforming life chances through education.

To discuss your suitability the scope of the role in more detail, please contact Amy Laking for an informal chat.

About our school:

Lift Unity City is a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, known for its sharp focus on student success. Awarded a 'Good' rating by Ofsted, we are proud of our supportive community and collaborative culture. Our school vision is simple, yet powerful- 'everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school and a strength of character.' Alongside excellent leadership and teaching, we will help children to go on to lead successful and happy lives.

Our dynamic leadership team and dedicated staff work together to create an environment where every student is championed, and every staff member is empowered. Our focused CPD programme ensures that you have the time and space to focus on what matters most; educating and inspiring young minds. People choose to join Lift Unity City because we offer a culture of high support and high expectations, where professional growth is encouraged and valued. Here, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to making a real difference, with the opportunity to contribute to an exciting school improvement journey and see your impact firsthand. With a clear vision and strong community behind us, Lift Unity City is a place where success is the expectation.

At Lift Unity City, we whole-heartedly believe all young people deserve a well-rounded, culturally rich education that fully prepares them to be confident in their ability to prosper in tomorrow's world. To be a part of their life changing journey is a privilege and a pleasure.

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 and travel deals.

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 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.