Director of Art, Design and Technology (Maternity Cover)

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: 2nd 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

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.

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.