Head of School

Salary: L15-L19, £73,105-£80,655 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Start date: September 2026 (or earlier if possible)

We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to provide strong, visible leadership at Lift Cottingley, a happy, inclusive and ambitious primary school at the heart of its community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a values-led leader who brings energy, positivity and clarity to their work, and who believes deeply in the power of great teaching to transform lives.

About the role

As Head of School, you will lead the day-to-day life of the school, working closely with the Regional Executive Principal, Kelly Bentley, Lift Schools network and regional support team. You will play a central role in driving high-quality teaching and learning, nurturing culture, and ensuring that every child receives an excellent education, every day.

You will be a leader who models great teaching, coaches and develops others, and leads from the front. Teaching and learning is a key priority at Cottingley, with a strong focus on instructional excellence, inclusion and oracy.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a diverse, community-focused setting and who brings resilience, warmth and relentless positivity to their leadership.

About Lift Cottingley

Lift Cottingley is a one-form entry primary school with a 2- and 3-year-old nursery, serving a richly diverse community where over 30 languages are spoken. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong relationships and high expectations.

The school benefits from:

• Extensive outdoor space, including Forest School and OPAL play
• Dedicated art and kitchen spaces
• Strong use of technology to support personalised learning
• A recognised Voice 21 Centre of Excellence for Oracy and IQM Centre of Excellence
• A committed, loyal staff team who are proud to work here

There is a real sense of joy, care and ambition throughout the school, alongside a strong commitment to inclusion and SEND.

Who we're looking for at Lift Cottingley
You will be someone who:

• Is resilient, optimistic and deeply positive
• Models excellent classroom practice and instructional leadership
• Coaches and develops staff with clarity and care
• Leads with warmth while holding high expectations
• Believes every child can succeed, regardless of background
• Thrives as part of a collaborative trust rather than working in isolation

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 Schools Head of School, 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

Who we're looking for
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.

If you are an experienced senior leader ready for the next step, if you are driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal, confidential conversation, please contact us.

Closing date: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 24th March 2026 (Lift Cottingley)

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.