National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover)

Sir Herbert Leon Academy; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Greater London is seeking a National Lead for Primary English and Reading to cover maternity leave. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership of English literacy across primary schools, significantly impacting curriculum quality and pupil outcomes. The position offers flexible working (home-based with travel) and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates are experienced leaders passionate about education and improving literacy outcomes. Join us in making a difference!

Benefits

Career development and training

Generous benefits package

Lifestyle perks including gym discounts

Qualifications

• Strong track record of improving English literacy outcomes.
• Experience leading curriculum design and implementation.
• Passionate about driving educational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for English and literacy.
• Work closely with school leaders to improve teaching quality.
• Influence practices across primary schools to drive performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Expertise in English literacy

Collaboration

Education

Experience in primary education

Strong track record in improving outcomes

Job description

National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover)

London, United Kingdom

AET145701

Posted on: 19/12/2025 – Application Deadline: 20/01/2026

National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover)

1 Edcity Walk, Edcity

London, W12 7TF

United Kingdom

Location: Based from home with frequent travel to our network of schools and EdCity

Hours: 0.8 (29.6) or 0.6 (22.2)

Contract: Fixed Term - Maternity Cover

Lift Schools is one of the largest and most ambitious multi-academy trusts in England. With schools across five regions, our mission is clear: to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.

Literacy sits at the heart of that mission. We believe that strong foundations in reading, writing and oracy unlock opportunity, academic success and lifelong learning. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our central curriculum team as National Lead for Primary English and Literacy to cover maternity leave.

About the role

As a senior member of our central curriculum and education teams, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving our national approach to English and literacy across our primary schools.

You will provide strategic leadership for oracy, reading, writing and English, working closely with school leaders, teachers and central colleagues to improve curriculum quality, teaching practice and pupil outcomes at scale. This is a highly influential role, combining vision, expertise and collaboration to make a meaningful difference to thousands of children nationwide.

Reporting to the Director of Curriculum, you will work alongside regional education directors, subject leads and school leaders, and lead professional networks that build expertise and capacity across the trust.

About you

You will be an experienced and credible primary English and literacy leader with a strong track record of improving outcomes and expertise in the teaching of reading. You are strategic, network-minded and passionate about ensuring excellence at scale.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.
• A rare opportunity to influence national practice at scale
• Work alongside a highly committed, values-driven central education team
• Flexible working (0.6–0.8 FTE), home-based with (funded) national travel
• The chance to make a lasting difference to children’s lives

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. 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.

The role is due to commence April 2026 or earlier if possible. This is a fixed term position to cover maternity leave. Lift Schools is growing so there is scope for this role to go permanent to add additional capacity to the team.

Closing date: 19 January 2026

Interview date: w/c 26 January 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 level 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.