Principal

Lift Schools; Andover; On-site; GBP 103,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Andover seeks a driven Principal to guide a thriving school. The ideal candidate will provide visionary leadership, promote inclusion, and enhance school culture while working closely with a supportive community. This crucial role includes building partnerships with families and driving strategic objectives. A relocation package, exceptional salary, and professional development opportunities are offered for the right candidate.

Benefits

Relocation package

Wellbeing cash plan

Pension scheme

Unlimited executive coaching

Evidence-informed professional learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading a school with clarity and purpose.
• Strong understanding of school culture and community engagement.
• Ability to foster a high support, high expectation environment.

Responsibilities

• Set the school's strategic direction and lead operational excellence.
• Foster a strong culture of inclusion, ambition, and joy in learning.
• Build lasting partnerships with families and the local community.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Collaboration and relationship building

Courage to lead change

Education

Experience in educational leadership

Job description

Salary: L29-L35, £103,030 - £118,169 (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're looking for a values-driven, visionary Principal to lead Lift Winton, a school with strong foundations and huge potential. This is an exciting opportunity to take a thriving school even further, shaping the next phase of its journey while working alongside a committed team and supportive community.

About the role

This is a role for an ambitious school leader who understands the power of culture, curriculum and community. You'll join a school that is already well respected, both locally and across our trust, and you'll be supported by a forward-thinking regional and central team.

You'll lead with clarity, warmth and purpose, building on what's strong, while driving lasting, meaningful improvement.

About Lift Winton

Lift Winton is a popular and inclusive secondary school in the heart of Andover. Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023, we're proud of our reputation and the relationships that underpin it. Families work with us. Staff feel supported. Pupils are ambitious, and keen to succeed.

Our school boasts a wide range of outstanding facilities, including:

• A newly opened £5m expansion building with a full-size hall, two cutting-edge science labs and new classroom spaces
• A well-resourced inclusion space with breakout areas and bespoke classrooms for our nurture and SEND students
• A modern library, gymnasium, music suite, dance studios and animal management area
• Expansive school grounds and a high-quality multi-use games area

We're a school with big ambitions for our students, underpinned by a culture of high support and high expectations. We want every young person to thrive - in the classroom and beyond it.

Why this role is for you

You're someone who:

• Brings clarity of vision and courage to lead change
• Values the power of relationships and collaboration
• Thrives in a high support, high expectation culture
• Understands that great leadership is about service, not status

As Principal, you will:

• Set the school's strategic direction and lead its operational excellence
• Foster a strong culture of inclusion, ambition and joy in learning
• Build lasting partnerships with families and the local community
• Work closely with trust leaders to drive improvement across the network

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 Principal, 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.

Whether you are an experienced principal or an aspiring head 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 Tanya Bentham

Closing date: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 9:00am

Interview date: Tuesday 10 February 2026 (Lift Winton) and Thursday 12 February 2026 (EdCity, London)

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.