About this role
Salary: Leadership Scale 13-18 + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Start date: January 2027 (an earlier start date is welcomed)
Closing date: 22nd June 12 noon
Interview date: 29th June
Be part of something transformational. Help shape the next chapter at Lift Firth Park.
At Lift Firth Park, we believe strong English skills are a powerful driver of opportunity, confidence, and future success. Knowing the importance of English capability in a child's education, we have created the new role 'Assistant Principal (English)' to drive our ambitious Lift 490 agenda and further drive improvement within English at Lift Firth Park.
We believe every young person is entitled to an excellent education, in every classroom, every day. Our 490 promise reflects that commitment. It isn't just a number, it's a shared ambition for what's possible- 90% of students achieve a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths.
This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an inspirational leader who is passionate about English, driven by impact, and committed to ensuring; an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day
Why this role matters
As Assistant Principal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the school. You will lead on key whole-school priorities while spearheading the development of English across all year groups and subjects.
You will drive a culture where English fluency is visible, valued, and consistently applied. Through strong leadership, you will ensure high-quality pedagogy is embedded across departments, supporting staff to deliver engaging, rigorous, and inclusive English teaching.
At the heart of this role is a commitment to excellence, raising standards in teaching, learning, and behaviour, while fostering a positive and supportive environment for both students and staff.
Key responsibilities
Drive whole school English excellence
* Lead the strategic vision for English across the school. * Promote a culture of English fluency and confidence for all learners. * Embed robust, evidence-informed pedagogical approaches across departments. * Use data intelligently to identify gaps, inform interventions, and raise outcomes. * Ensure consistency and high expectations in English teaching across all key stages.
Provide exceptional leadership
* Play a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole-school strategy and improvement. * Lead on designated strategic priorities that drive academic excellence and student wellbeing. * Line manage teaching and support staff, providing clarity, coaching, and high-quality professional development. * Uphold and promote outstanding standards of teaching, learning, and behaviour across the school. * Model and embed the values and ethos of Lift Firth Park in all aspects of leadership.
We are seeking a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:
Essential
* A degree in English (or a related subject), PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status. * A strong track record of excellent classroom practice and raising student achievement in English. * A strong understanding of evidence-informed English pedagogy and curriculum design. * Proven experience of improving outcomes within a UK secondary school setting. * The ability to inspire, develop, and influence colleagues at all levels.
Desirable
* Experience leading whole-school or cross-curricular initiatives. * Experience supporting schools in challenging contexts or driving rapid improvement.
Above all, you will be values-driven, intellectually curious, and relentless in your pursuit of excellence. You will believe in the transformative power of education and be committed to ensuring every student at Lift Firth Park achieves their full potential.
About Lift Firth Park
Lift Firth Park is a vibrant, mixed secondary school for students aged 11-16. Located in Shiregreen, Sheffield, we serve around 1,200 pupils and reflect a richly diverse community, with more than a third of students speaking English as an additional language.
The school is currently undergoing an exciting period of New Leadership and transformational change, and we are already seeing its positive impact, in the classroom, across the curriculum and throughout our culture. This is an excellent time to join our team. We are looking for individuals who share our dedication to inclusive, aspirational education and who are excited to contribute to our renewed vision and ambitious future.
We would warmly welcome visits to the school, please contact: