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Employer: Lift Cottingley
Job Title: Head of School
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Salary: £73105 – £80655 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Overview
Lift Cottingley is seeking an exceptional Head of School to provide strong, visible leadership at Lift Cottingley, a happy, inclusive and ambitious primary school at the heart of its community.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a values-led leader who brings energy, positivity and clarity to their work, and who believes deeply in the power of great teaching to transform lives.
About the Role
As Head of School, the successful candidate will lead the day-to-day life of the school, working closely with the Regional Executive Principal, Kelly Bentley, Lift Schools network and regional support team. The role plays a central part in driving high-quality teaching and learning, nurturing culture, and ensuring that every child receives an excellent education, every day.
The position requires a leader who models great teaching, coaches and develops others, and leads from the front. Teaching and learning is a key priority at Cottingley, with a strong focus on instructional excellence, inclusion and oracy.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a diverse, community-focused setting and who brings resilience, warmth and relentless positivity to leadership.
About Lift Cottingley
Lift Cottingley is a one-form entry primary school with a 2- and 3-year-old nursery, serving a richly diverse community where over 30 languages are spoken. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong relationships and high expectations.
The school benefits from:
- Extensive outdoor space, including Forest School and OPAL play
- Dedicated art and kitchen spaces
- Strong use of technology to support personalised learning
- A recognised Voice 21 Centre of Excellence for Oracy and IQM Centre of Excellence
- A committed, loyal staff team who are proud to work here
There is a real sense of joy, care and ambition throughout the school, alongside a strong commitment to inclusion and SEND.
Who Lift Cottingley Is Looking For
The ideal candidate will be someone who:
- Is resilient, optimistic and deeply positive
- Models excellent classroom practice and instructional leadership
- Coaches and develops staff with clarity and care
- Leads with warmth while holding high expectations
- Believes every child can succeed, regardless of background
- Thrives as part of a collaborative trust rather than working in isolation
About Lift Schools
Lift Schools is a network of 58 schools across the country. The organisation is diverse, inclusive and united by a single mission: to deliver an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
What Lift Schools Offers
As a Lift Schools Head of School, the successful candidate will receive sector-leading professional development and wellbeing support, including:
- An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five years
- Unlimited one-to-one executive coaching
- Evidence-informed professional learning opportunities
- A year-long induction programme
- Study tours and immersive CPD experiences
- Professional sabbatical eligibility after five years
- Relocation package available
Leadership Qualities Expected
Lift Schools is seeking leaders who are:
- Self-aware – thriving in high challenge, high support environments.
- Network-minded – committed to improving outcomes across all schools.
- Intellectually curious – eager to use evidence-informed approaches to drive success.
Experienced senior leaders ready for the next step, driven, determined, and committed to creating lasting change are encouraged to apply.
For an informal, confidential conversation, please contact Lift Cottingley.
Important Dates
Closing date: Friday 20th March 2026, 10:00 am
Interview date: Tuesday 24th March 2026 (Lift Cottingley)
Safeguarding and Recruitment
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The recruitment process is fair and consistent and follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
Lift Schools is a Disability Confident Employer and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Further Information
The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Skilled Worker visas can be sponsored.
International candidates interested in teaching or training to teach in England can receive support in understanding the next steps.
About Lift Cottingley (School Message)
Welcome to Lift Cottingley and thank you for your interest in the school. Kelly Bentley expresses enormous pride and privilege in serving the children and families of the community as the Headteacher. Lift Cottingley is described as a happy, warm and nurturing environment where every member of the team is striving to create the outstanding school that families deserve.
Lift Cottingley is described as a very special learning community filled with dedicated and talented staff, where all students, whatever their ability and background, can flourish. The school works hard and cares deeply about pupils while serving an area of high socio-economic deprivation that brings many challenges as well as rewards.
Each day at Lift Cottingley is different, and the school takes pride in the difference made in the lives of the children served. Individuals who are passionate about helping every child, maintain a positive outlook, demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges and enjoy inspiring children through fun and engaging learning activities will fit well within the team.
Staff are described as the school’s greatest resource, and Lift Cottingley aims to nurture and develop employees throughout their careers. Being part of Lift Schools allows employees at every level to access tailored CPD and opportunities to work across the group as they progress.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to see the school and learn whether working there would be the right fit.
Kelly Bentley (Headteacher), the staff team and the governors extend appreciation for interest in the school.
Curriculum at Lift Cottingley
Lift Cottingley provides children with a carefully designed curriculum based on high-quality learning experiences that prepare them academically and socially to become the best they can be both now and in the future.
All subjects are taught discretely while links are made where appropriate. PSHCE permeates school activities and connects with weekly and Rainbow Family assemblies. The school also employs a counselling service to support staff and children.
To enrich the curriculum, the school works with coaches, theatre groups, peripatetic music support, history and science specialists. Educational visits are considered highly beneficial, and each class has the opportunity to participate in at least one visit per year, with residential stays included in the curriculum for Year 6.
The curriculum is designed to be exciting for pupils because the school believes the best learning happens when children are motivated and engaged.
Specialism and Awards
Lift Cottingley’s science curriculum has enabled the school to achieve the Space Education Quality Mark at Gold Level (2016–17).
The school has also gained the Primary Science Quality Mark at Silver level (2015–16).
How to Apply
If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.
