Principal

Lift Schools; England; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development account up to £100k

Executive coaching

High-quality professional development

Relocation package

Job summary

Lift Wishmore seeks an inspirational Principal to lead a specialist school for boys with SEMH needs and autism. You will drive engagement, attendance and outcomes while uniting teachers, therapists and leaders around a shared vision.

The role requires deep SEMH and autism expertise, a compassionate leadership style, and the ability to reconnect disengaged learners with education. You will work within Lift Schools to shape the Trust’s specialist provision.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful senior leadership and improving pupil outcomes.
• Deep expertise in SEMH, autism and emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA).
• Ability to re-engage children and families who have become disconnected from education using relational approaches.
• Inspirational people leadership to build a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear, ambitious vision for a specialist school where every child feels safe and valued.
• Lead outstanding SEMH and autism-informed practice, ensuring education, therapeutic support and pastoral provision work together.
• Develop strategies to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for disengaged pupils.
• Inspire and unite teachers, support staff and practitioners around a shared commitment to every child's success.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, the local authority and external partners to remove barriers.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

SEMH expertise

Autism expertise

Relational approaches

Strategic leadership

Change management

Job description

Lead with purpose. Rebuild connections. Transform futures.

We are seeking an inspiring Principal to lead Lift Wishmore, a specialist school supporting primary and secondary-aged boys with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism. We need a leader with the expertise, ambition and determination to transform outcomes, reconnect young people with education and create opportunities for every child to thrive.

At Lift Wishmore, education is about much more than the classroom. It is about helping children rebuild their confidence, feel a sense of belonging and engage with learning again. We want every pupil to leave with the skills, qualifications and self-belief to take their next steps.

You will have solid foundations to build on: excellent facilities, an established specialist curriculum, strong community partnerships and a committed staff team. We need an experienced leader who can bring these strengths together, support children who have become disconnected from education and improve outcomes for every pupil.

For our children and their families, the right support can make a lasting difference. As Principal, you will play a central part in making that happen.

About The Role

As Principal, you will set high expectations for every child while recognising their individual needs and experiences. You will bring specialist expertise and a compassionate approach, helping colleagues give each pupil the support they need to learn and progress.

A central priority will be improving engagement and attendance, particularly for children experiencing emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA). You will work closely with colleagues and families to understand what is preventing children from attending, rebuild trust and find practical ways to help them return to education.

You Will:

• Set a clear, ambitious vision for a specialist school where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed.
• Lead outstanding SEMH and autism-informed practice, ensuring education, therapeutic support and pastoral provision work seamlessly together.
• Develop effective strategies to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for pupils who have become disengaged from education.
• Inspire and unite teachers, support colleagues and specialist practitioners around a shared commitment to every child's success.
• Build on the school's broad curriculum, enrichment and vocational offer, ensuring every pupil develops meaningful skills and qualifications for their future.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, the local authority, external agencies and community organisations to remove barriers and improve outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with other specialist schools across Lift, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of outstanding specialist provision.

You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, balancing high expectations with a deep understanding of the individual needs of its pupils.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with significant experience in specialist education, particularly SEMH and autism, who combines professional expertise with warmth, energy and an unwavering belief in what every child can achieve.

You Will:

• Have a strong track record of successful senior leadership and improving outcomes for pupils with complex additional needs.
• Bring deep expertise in SEMH, autism and emotionally based school non-attendance, with the ability to translate this knowledge into effective practice.
• Understand how to re-engage children and families who have become disconnected from education, using relational, inclusive and evidence-informed approaches.
• Be an inspirational people leader who can bring teaching, support and therapeutic teams together, developing a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Have the strategic insight and operational resilience to lead a complex specialist setting while maintaining a relentless focus on pupils.
• Build trusted relationships with families, the local authority and external partners, recognising that successful outcomes depend on strong collaboration.
• Be excited by the opportunity to work alongside other specialist school leaders, sharing practice and contributing to improvement across the Trust.

Experience of leading an all-through specialist setting would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Above all, you will be a leader who brings hope, ambition and possibility to children who may have experienced significant barriers to education. Someone who sees potential where others see challenges and has the expertise, determination and compassion to make a lasting difference.

About Lift Wishmore

Wishmore is a well-resourced specialist school supporting 92 primary and secondary-aged pupils. With extensive grounds, a Forest School, specialist teaching facilities and dedicated therapeutic provision, the school provides a rich and supportive learning environment.

Its ambitious curriculum combines academic learning, vocational qualifications and enrichment opportunities, preparing young people for independence, further education and employment. Strong community partnerships and a commitment to meaningful outcomes are at the heart of everything the school does.

With plans to move towards co-educational provision, this is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations and shape the school's next chapter.

About Lift Schools

We are a diverse, inclusive network of 62 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

Closing date: Monday 30 November 2026, 9:00am

Interview dates: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Lift Wishmore) and Thursday 10 December 2026 (EdCity)

Start date: April 2027 (earlier if possible)