Principal

Lift Schools; Hockley; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development account

Executive coaching

Professional development programme

Induction programme

Relocation package

Job summary

Lift Plumberow is a welcoming, three-form-entry primary school in the heart of its local community, part of Lift Schools, educating about 640 pupils aged 4–11. We seek a Principal to build on strong foundations, raise standards and ensure every child receives an exceptional education.

Based in England, you will drive teaching and learning improvements, develop staff excellence and strengthen partnerships with families and the wider community whilst leading day-to-day management of the school and

Qualifications

• Have successful senior leadership experience and demonstrable impact on improving pupil outcomes, particularly at the higher standards.
• Deep understanding of curriculum, teaching and learning, and ability to translate into strong classroom practice.
• Know how to evaluate school performance, identify priorities and plan improvement over time.
• Understand the importance of school culture and how to build on strengths.
• Bring high expectations, sound judgement and the ability to balance ambition with sustainable change.
• Develop and empower colleagues, building trust and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear and ambitious vision for sustained school improvement.
• Drive excellence in teaching and learning, raising attainment at the higher standards.
• Lead a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to school improvement.
• Inspire and develop a stable, committed staff team with a positive culture.
• Be a visible and trusted leader strengthening relationships with pupils, families and the wider community.
• Collaborate with other Lift leaders to share expertise and improve across the network.

Job description

Build on strong foundations. Raise aspirations. Lead the pursuit of excellence.

We are looking for an inspiring and ambitious Principal to lead Lift Plumberow, a thriving, three-form-entry primary school at the heart of its local community.

With a strong school culture, excellent learning environment, established staff team and rich enrichment offer, Plumberow has much to be proud of. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who can build on these strengths, raise standards further and ensure every child benefits from an exceptional education.

About the role

As Principal, you will build on Plumberow's strong foundations while bringing the vision, expertise and determination to take teaching, learning and pupil outcomes to the next level.

You will:

• Set a clear and ambitious vision for sustained school improvement, building on the school's established culture and strengths.
• Drive excellence in teaching and learning, with a particular focus on raising attainment at the higher standards.
• Develop a shared understanding of what exceptional practice looks like in every classroom.
• Lead a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to school improvement, prioritising the right changes at the right time.
• Inspire and develop a stable, committed staff team, maintaining high expectations and a positive, collaborative culture.
• Be a visible and trusted leader who strengthens relationships with pupils, families and the wider community.
• Work collaboratively with other Lift leaders, sharing expertise and contributing to improvement across our wider network.

You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, ensuring that its strong foundations translate into consistently excellent experiences and outcomes for every child.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished school leader who combines a strong track record of raising standards with the ability to inspire others and lead sustainable improvement.

You will:

• Have successful senior leadership experience and demonstrable impact on improving pupil outcomes, particularly at the higher standards.
• Have a deep understanding of excellent curriculum, teaching and learning, and the ability to translate this into consistently strong classroom practice.
• Know how to evaluate school performance, identify priorities and plan improvement effectively over time.
• Understand the importance of school culture and how to build on what is already working well.
• Bring high expectations, sound judgement and the ability to balance ambition with thoughtful, sustainable change.
• Develop and empower colleagues, building trust, accountability and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Value strong relationships with families and the wider community.

Above all, you will be a leader who recognises the strengths of an established school while having the ambition, expertise and determination to make it even better.

About Lift Plumberow

Lift Plumberow is a welcoming, well-established primary school for children aged 4–11, with approximately 640 pupils across three forms of entry. Firmly embedded in its local community, the school enjoys strong relationships with families, local businesses and neighbouring Lift Greensward, where many pupils continue their education. With a positive learning culture, strong behaviour, a well-maintained environment and a stable, committed staff team, Plumberow provides an excellent foundation for children to learn and thrive.

Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from outdoor learning, more than 20 extracurricular clubs and a newly introduced life skills curriculum, developing confidence, independence and practical skills for the future. With so much already in place, this is an exciting opportunity for a Principal to build on the school's strengths, further enhance teaching and learning, and inspire even more pupils to achieve the highest standards.

About Lift Schools

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

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.
• Unlimited one-to-one 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're an experienced senior leader or existing Principal who understands what it takes to move a good school towards exceptional practice, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal, confidential conversation or to arrange a school visit, please contact Tanya Bentham at [e-mail]

Closing date: 23 November 2026, 9:00am

Interview dates:Monday 30 November 2026 and Wednesday 2 December 2026

Start date: January or April 2027

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Principal Job Description and Person Specification (1).pdf