Principal

Salary: L18-L24, £75,671 - £87,651 (negotiable for an exceptional candidate) plus relocation package 

Start Date: September 2025 (or earlier is possible)

Newington Academy is seeking an inspirational and dynamic leader to guide our school community toward new achievements. As a two-form entry school with nursery provision, we are committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment for our diverse student population, including many children for whom English is a second language.

With a current roll of 386 plus nursery, we are well-resourced and financially strong, Newington is ready to support our vision for academic excellence.

You will be supported and challenged as you strive to improve outcomes for our students and foster a culture of excellence. We have strong relationships with local authorities and schools, including Kingswood Academy, and work collaboratively to ensure our students thrive both academically and personally.

This role is perfect for you if:

• You are passionate about transforming the lives of students in a high-deprivation area and are eager to make a meaningful difference in the local community.
• You have a clear vision for the future of the school and are excited to be part of a collaborative and ambitious team.
• You champion academic rigour alongside a therapeutic and inclusive approach to education.
• You are a community-minded leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is dedicated to driving impactful change.

As our leader, you will:

• Guide the implementation of innovative academic strategies that align with our commitment to excellence.
• Empower students and staff to reach their full potential by fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and high expectations.
• Leverage our good relationships with parents and the local community to strengthen partnerships that benefit our students.

Newington Academy is set in a historic, listed building with ample outdoor space, including a playing field equipped with rugby posts. Our lovely school culture, combined with a dedicated team of staff, creates a vibrant environment where every student can flourish.

About Lift Schools

We are Lift Schools, a diverse and inclusive network of schools with a clear mission to provide an excellent education to every child in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools.

We believe every child deserves the best education possible, regardless of background, geography or ability. We want to see them fulfil their potential – at school and beyond. To do this, we need exceptional leaders.

How you’ll be supported

We believe that talent drives performance. As a leader at Lift Schools, you’ll have the backing of a national network, work closely with the schools in your region, and benefit from a tailored programme designed to help you grow and succeed. 

We will give you the space and agency to champion your own development, underpinned by a dedicated package for learning and development. If successful, you will receive: 

• An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five years.
• Experiential learning, including study tours.
• High support and high challenge from a regional education director. 
• One-to-one ‘anytime’, unlimited frequency executive coaching. 
• Evidence-informed practice.
• A year-long induction programme.
• The option of a professional sabbatical after five years.

We’re looking for candidates for Newington Primary Academy who are: 

• Self aware: Those who thrive in a high challenge and high support environment, who want the space and agency to develop their leadership skills.
• Network-minded: Those who believe that the job is not done unless all schools in our network and beyond are serving their communities well.
• Intellectually curious: Those who have the confidence to work with an evidence-informed approach, with an unrelenting drive to be the best leader they can be. 

Whether you’re an existing or aspiring principal, if you are driven to serve young people, determined to be the best leader, and dedicated to creating lasting change for our community then we would love to hear from you.

For an informal (and confidential) conversation please contact Amy Laking via recruitment@liftschools.org. 

Closing date: Friday 21 March 2025, 9am

Interview dates: TBC

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with 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.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.