National Lead Primary English and Maternity Cover

National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover)

Join to apply for the National Lead for Primary English and Reading (Maternity Cover) role at Lift Schools.

• Location: Based from home with frequent travel to our network of schools and Ed City
• Salary: £70,000 FTE, pro rata £56,000 (0.8) or £42,000 (0.6)
• Hours: 0.8 (29.6) or 0.6 (22.2)
• Contract: Fixed Term – Maternity Cover
• Start date: April 2026 or earlier, if possible
• Closing date: 19 January 2026

Lift Schools is one of the largest and most ambitious multi‑academy trusts in England. With schools across five regions, our mission is clear:
to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day
. Literacy sits at the heart of that mission; we believe that strong foundations in reading, writing and oracy unlock opportunity, academic success and lifelong learning.

As a senior member of our central curriculum and education teams, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving our national approach to English and literacy across our primary schools. You will provide strategic leadership for oracy, reading, writing and English, working closely with school leaders, teachers and central colleagues to improve curriculum quality, teaching practice and pupil outcomes s is a highly influential role, combining vision, expertise and collaboration to make a meaningful difference to thousands of children nationwide.

Reporting to the Director of Curriculum, you will work alongside regional education directors, subject leads and school leaders, and lead professional networks that build expertise and capacity across the trust.

You will be an experienced and credible primary English and literacy leader with a strong track record of improving outcomes and expertise in the teaching of reading. You are strategic, network‑mindful and passionate about ensuring excellence at scale.

• A rare opportunity to influence national practice at scale
• Work alongside a highly committed, values‑driven central education team
• Flexible working (0.6–0.8 FTE), home‑based with funded national travel
• The chance to make a lasting difference to children’s lives

• Career development and training – Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits – From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks – Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals and even electric vehicle incentives.

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.

Lift Schools is 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.

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