Principal

Salary: L15-L21, £73,105-£83,960 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefitsStart date: September 2026 Lead with purpose. Shape a community. Make a difference.At Lift Schools, our people are key to delivering an excellent education for every child. We are looking for an exceptional Principal to lead Lift Offa’s Mead, a welcoming, community-focused school with a big heart and strong foundations.This is a rare opportunity to lead a school where relationships drive success, pupils are engaged and families are truly supportive.About the roleLift Offa’s Mead serves the communities of Sedbury, Beachley and Chepstow. With strong outcomes, an embedded curriculum and a committed team, the school is ready for its next phase.As Principal, you will:Build on strong foundations and drive the next stage of improvementLead strategically while remaining hands-on in a one-form entry settingBe a visible, credible presence in the classroomDevelop a high-performing, collaborative teamStrengthen the school’s role at the heart of its communityAs a smaller school, this role offers a unique balance of strategic leadership and lasting, direct impact.About youYou are a strong practitioner and an inspiring leader with a clear vision of excellence in primary education.You will:Have a proven track record of raising standardsBring expertise in early years and mixed-age teachingBuild strong, trusting relationships across the school communityUse data confidently to drive improvementBe adaptable, organised and able to lead in a small school environmentBalance Trust expectations with the needs of your schoolBe collaborative, ambitious and ready to contribute beyond your own settingYou combine clarity, warmth and ambition, and lead with both head and heart.About the schoolLift Offa’s Mead is a Good school (Ofsted, October 2022) with:A strong curriculum and effective phonics provisionA caring, inclusive ethos and dedicated SEND supportEngaged and supportive parentsA rich enrichment offer, including successful sports teamsExtensive outdoor space, including a large playground and fieldAbout Lift SchoolsWe are a diverse, inclusive network of 59 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 youAt Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. You’ll benefit from:An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five yearsExperiential learning opportunities, including study toursOne-to-one unlimited executive coachingHigh-quality, evidence-informed professional developmentA year-long induction programmeThe option of a professional sabbatical after five yearsA relocation package if moving for the roleIf you are an experienced senior leader or existing Principal ready for a new opportunity, if you are driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change, we would love to hear from you.For an informal, confidential conversation or to organise a school visit, please contact Tanya Bentham at recruitment@liftschools.org.Closing date: Monday 11 May 2026, 9:00amInterview dates: Monday 18 May 2026 (Lift Offa’s Mead) and Thursday 21 May 2026 (Ed City, London)Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect