Principal

Lift Schools; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction programme

Professional sabbatical after five yrs

Relocation package

Wellbeing cash plan

TPS pension

Lift Schools benefits

Job summary

Lift Shafton, a friendly and ambitious primary school in Barnsley, is seeking a Principal to lead with vision and warmth. You will build on strengths, drive improvement, and lead teaching and learning across the school, developing a strong, collaborative staff culture.

You will be a visible leader for children, families and staff, working with Lift leaders across our network to shape Shafton’s next chapter. Start Jan 2027 or Apr 2027; closing date 11 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Excellent practitioner and inspiring leader with warmth and strong moral purpose.
• Successful senior leadership experience with a track record of improving outcomes.
• Understands what excellent curriculum, teaching and learning look like.
• Ambitious for every child, regardless of background or starting point.
• Develops people and builds a positive, high-performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear and ambitious vision for Lift Shafton and drive improvement.
• Lead teaching, learning and outcomes for every child.
• Develop and inspire a strong, collaborative staff team.
• Be a visible, trusted leader for children, families and colleagues.
• Collaborate with Lift leaders and contribute across the network.
• Oversee strategic direction and day-to-day school management.

Skills

Senior leadership

Improving outcomes

Curriculum expertise

People development

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Lead with purpose. Build on success. Shape Shafton's next chapter.

We are looking for an exceptional Principal to lead Lift Shafton, a friendly and ambitious primary school at the heart of its Barnsley community.

With supportive families, strong early years outcomes, a newly opened nursery and an established curriculum, there is plenty to build on. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to shape the school's next chapter and make a lasting difference to its children, colleagues and community.

About The Role

As Principal, you will build on Lift Shafton's strengths while bringing the ambition, energy and leadership to drive its continued improvement.

You Will

• Set a clear and ambitious vision for the school
• Build on strong early years provision
• Lead excellent teaching, learning and outcomes for every child
• Develop and inspire a strong, collaborative staff team
• Be a visible and trusted leader for children, colleagues and families
• Work alongside other Lift leaders, sharing expertise and contributing across our wider network

You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, with responsibility for ensuring every child receives an excellent academic and co-curricular experience.

About You

We are looking for an excellent practitioner and inspiring leader who combines ambition with warmth and strong moral purpose.

You Will

• Have successful senior leadership experience and a strong track record of improving outcomes
• Understand what excellent curriculum, teaching and learning look like
• Be ambitious for every child, regardless of background or starting point
• Develop people and build a positive, high-performing culture
• Build strong relationships with families and the wider community
• Bring the resilience, curiosity and collaborative approach to lead improvement

Above all, you will be kind, warm and brave, an ambitious leader who cares deeply about people and what is possible for every child.

About Lift Shafton

Lift Shafton is a friendly, inclusive and well-resourced primary school with supportive families and a strong sense of community. With a newly opened nursery, strong early years and phonics outcomes, embedded English and maths curricula and a rich enrichment offer, there are excellent foundations to build on. As part of the wider Barnsley region, the school also benefits from strong Trust support and opportunities to collaborate and develop alongside other Lift schools.

This is a real opportunity to shape Shafton's next chapter and make a lasting difference to its children, colleagues and community.

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

Salary: negotiable for an exceptional candidate + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Start date: January 2027 or April 2027

Closing date: Wednesday 11 November 2026, 5:00 pm

Interview dates: Wednesday 18 November 2026 (Shafton) and Thursday 19 November 2026 (EdCity)