Head of School

Lift North Ormesby

James Street, Middlesbrough, TS3 6LB

Salary: L13-L17, £69,596-£76,772 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Start date: September 2026

Lead with purpose. Inspire children. Shape the future.

Great schools are built by great people, and we know that our colleagues are central to delivering an excellent education for every child. We are looking for an exceptional Head of School to lead Lift North Ormesby, a warm, inclusive and ambitious primary school with a strong community spirit and exciting potential.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a school where relationships matter, children are at the heart of every decision, and staff are committed to making a difference every day.

About the role

Lift North Ormesby is a one-form entry primary school in Middlesbrough, with a loyal staff team, supportive families and strong trust backing, the school is well placed for its next chapter.

As Head of School this is a significant whole-school leadership opportunity with development towards Principalship, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day life of the school with energy, clarity and care
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning and pupil outcomes
• Build on a warm, inclusive culture where every child thrives
• Develop subject leadership and instructional coaching across the school
• Strengthen provision for SEND pupils and inclusive practice
• Be a visible and trusted presence for staff, pupils and families
• Work closely with the Regional Executive Principal and Lift Schools colleagues

This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with direct, lasting impact in a close-knit school community.

About you

You are a strong practitioner and inspiring leader with a clear vision for excellent primary education.

You will:

• Have a proven track record of improving outcomes for pupils
• Understand how to secure high-quality teaching and learning
• Build strong relationships across the school and wider community
• Champion inclusion and ensure every child succeeds
• Use data confidently to drive improvement
• Develop others through coaching and collaboration
• Bring warmth, resilience and ambition to your leadership

You lead with integrity, optimism and an unwavering belief in children.

About the school

Lift North Ormesby is a welcoming and diverse school with many strengths, including:

• Good Ofsted judgement with Outstanding personal development
• Strong relationships with parents, carers and the local community
• A caring and inclusive ethos where children feel valued
• Extensive outdoor learning spaces, including reading tipis and a reading shed
• Specialist facilities including early years provision, science lab and art room
• An Apple Distinguished School with iPads for all pupils
• Strong collaboration with other Lift Schools, including Lift Caldicotes and Lift Unity City

Who is Lift Schools?

We are a diverse, inclusive network of 59 schools united by one mission: to deliver an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. We believe every child deserves the best, regardless of background or ability, and we need outstanding leaders to make this happen.

How we'll support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. You'll benefit from:

• An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five years
• Experiential learning opportunities, including study tours
• One-to-one unlimited executive coaching
• High-quality, evidence-informed professional development
• A year-long induction programme
• The option of a professional sabbatical after five years
• A relocation package if moving for the role

If you are an experienced senior leader or existing Principal ready for a new opportunity, if you are driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal, confidential conversation or to organise a school visit, please contact Tanya Bentham at

Closing date: Tuesday 12 May 2026, 9:00am
Interview dates: Friday 15 May 2026

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.