National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover)

Lift Schools; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multi-academy trust in England is seeking a National Lead for Primary English and Literacy to cover maternity leave. This pivotal role involves shaping and driving the national approach to English across primary schools. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of improving outcomes, strong leadership skills in teaching reading, and the ability to work collaboratively with education professionals. The position offers flexible hours, working from home with travel, and a comprehensive benefits package. The role is expected to commence in April 2026.

Benefits

Wellbeing cash plan

Pension scheme (LGPS)

Discounted gym memberships

Electric vehicle incentives

Qualifications

• Experienced primary English and literacy leader.
• Strong record in improving student outcomes.
• Passionate about education and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Shape national approach to English and literacy.
• Strategic leadership for oracy, reading, and writing.
• Work with school leaders to improve curriculum quality.

Skills

Strong track record in improving outcomes

Expertise in teaching reading

Strategic thinking

Network-minded collaboration

Education

Educated to degree level

Job description

Salary: £70,000 FTE, pro rata £56,000 (0.8) or £42,000 (0.6) + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

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.

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:

1. We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
2. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
3. We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

Why join Lift Schools?

• 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 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.