Principal
Lift Shafton · S72, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Closing date
- 14 days left
- Salary
- Up to £75664 per annum
- Role
- Headteacher
- Posted
You apply on the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert, not here.
Job description
Lead with purpose. Build on success. Shape Shafton's next chapter. We are looking for an exceptional Principal to lead Lift Shafton, a friendly and ambitious primary school at the heart of its Barnsley community. With supportive families, strong early years outcomes, a newly opened nursery and an established curriculum, there is plenty to build on. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to shape the school's next chapter and make a lasting difference to its children, colleagues and community. About the role As Principal, you will build on Lift Shafton's strengths while bringing the ambition, energy and leadership to drive its continued improvement. You will: Set a clear and ambitious vision for the school Build on strong early years provision Lead excellent teaching, learning and outcomes for every child Develop and inspire a strong, collaborative staff team Be a visible and trusted leader for children, colleagues and families Work alongside other Lift leaders, sharing expertise and contributing across our wider network You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, with responsibility for ensuring every child receives an excellent academic and co-curricular experience. About you We are looking for an excellent practitioner and inspiring leader who combines ambition with warmth and strong moral purpose. You will: Have successful senior leadership experience and a strong track record of improving outcomes Understand what excellent curriculum, teaching and learning look like Be ambitious for every child, regardless of background or starting point Develop people and build a positive, high-performing culture Build strong relationships with families and the wider community Bring the resilience, curiosity and collaborative approach to lead improvement Above all, you will be kind, warm and brave, an ambitious leader who cares deeply about people and what is possible for every child. About Lift Shafton Lift Shafton is a friendly, inclusive and well-resourced primary school with supportive families and a strong sense of community. With a newly opened nursery, strong early years and phonics outcomes, embedded English and maths curricula and a rich enrichment offer, there are excellent foundations to build on. As part of the wider Barnsley region, the school also benefits from strong Trust support and opportunities to collaborate and develop alongside other Lift schools. This is a real opportunity to shape Shafton's next chapter and make a lasting difference to its children, colleagues and community. About Lift Schools We are a diverse, inclusive network of 62 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 you At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. You'll benefit from: An individual development account of up to £100,000 over five years Experiential learning opportunities, including study tours One-to-one unlimited executive coaching High-quality, evidence-informed professional development A year-long induction programme The option of a professional sabbatical after five years A relocation package if moving for the role If 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. Salary: negotiable for an exceptional candidate + relocation package + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits Start date: January 2027 or April 2027 Closing date: Wednesday 11 November 2026, 5:00 pm Interview dates: Wednesday 18 November 2026 (Shafton) and Thursday 19 November 2026 (EdCity)
School at a glance
Lift Shafton
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Primary
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Local authority
- Barnsley
- Region
- Yorkshire and the Humber
The school's record on Get Information About Schools (opens in a new tab)
Published school data
Showing 6 of 20 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.
| Publication | Period and coverage |
|---|---|
| DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file | 2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards. |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 43aada70-5f03-4068-9e85-2c96e2de61c5 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 43aada70-5f03-4068-9e85-2c96e2de61c5 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2024/25 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 43aada70-5f03-4068-9e85-2c96e2de61c5 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2023/24 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible |
| DfE: School capacity — school Edition a485ea37-0687-4e20-8448-ecb0810c60b3 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2024/25 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 State-funded mainstream primary and secondary schools in England reported by local authorities in SCAP SCAP school places, including sixth form and excluding nursery; pupils on roll from the release's May school census. These are survey-year observations, not current GIAS capacity. |
| DfE: School capacity — school Edition a485ea37-0687-4e20-8448-ecb0810c60b3 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2023/24 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 State-funded mainstream primary and secondary schools in England reported by local authorities in SCAP SCAP school places, including sixth form and excluding nursery; pupils on roll from the release's May school census. These are survey-year observations, not current GIAS capacity. |
Local area context
Showing 6 of 23 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.
| Publication | Period and coverage |
|---|---|
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E08000016 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
Showing 15 of 24 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.
Pupils
- School places (SCAP)
- 2802024/25
Source and value: School places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 280. Display values may be rounded.
Published school capacity survey places, including sixth form and excluding nursery places; not the current GIAS capacity.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
- Pupils on roll (SCAP)
- 2472024/25
Source and value: Pupils on roll (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 247. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
- Unfilled places (SCAP)
- 332024/25
Source and value: Unfilled places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 33. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Attendance and behaviour
- Overall absence
- 4.1%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Overall absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 4.13351%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
- Persistent absence
- 9.9%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Persistent absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 9.90991%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
- Permanent exclusions
- 02024/25
Source and value: Permanent exclusions, 2024/25, Academic year, 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Published value: 0. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England
Source dated 9 July 2026.
Publication version: 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Academic year
Staff
- Teachers (headcount)
- 132025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 13. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11.02025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 11. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
- Leadership (headcount)
- 22025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 2. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Results
- KS2: expected standard in reading, writing and maths
- 59.0%2024/25
Source and value: KS2: expected standard in reading, writing and maths, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 59%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
- KS2: published eligible pupil number
- 292024/25
Source and value: KS2: published eligible pupil number, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 29. Display values may be rounded.
Published eligible pupil number (telig) from DfE's Key stage 2 institution level - Schools (School information), for the same release, year and period as the results; not the whole-school roll.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
- KS2: higher standard in reading, writing and maths
- 7.0%2024/25
Source and value: KS2: higher standard in reading, writing and maths, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Published value: 7%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
Money
- Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
- £94,5502026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Published value: 94550. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level deprivation FSM6 allocation only; excludes looked-after and previously looked-after children, alternative-provision census allocations and service pupil premium. This is not total pupil premium.
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Financial year
- Devolved formula capital
- £6,7342026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Published value: 6733.75. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Financial year
Source status: failing.
- Income per pupil
- £6,4972025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, response-sha256:51cf4ce2f38aa2f3de15ebeb9b28a1dc5ab7a45ebe3c611a778e6cde853c0430
Published value: 6497.02304526749. Display values may be rounded.
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
Publication version: response-sha256:51cf4ce2f38aa2f3de15ebeb9b28a1dc5ab7a45ebe3c611a778e6cde853c0430
Reporting year ending
Official school links
- Shafton Primary School · Predecessor · 2012-11-26GIAS · 27 October 2026
These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.
Part of LIFT SCHOOLS (Multi-academy trust)
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Latest Ofsted inspection
Ungraded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected , published · number 10346474
- Outcome
- Improved significantly
Ofsted's inspection reports for this school (opens in a new tab)
Sources
- Get Information About Schools (Department for Education) (opens in a new tab) · 27 October 2026
- Ofsted monthly management information: state-funded schools, latest inspections (opens in a new tab) · 30 September 2026
- DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations (opens in a new tab) · 2026/27 · Financial year · 14 May 2026
- DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · 15 October 2026
- DfE: School capacity — school (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 20 March 2026
- DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 4 June 2026
- DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 9 July 2026
- DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026
7 further sources are not listed here; displayed figures retain their own source links.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Prepare for your interview
Vacancies are from the DfE Teaching Vacancies service (opens in a new tab), as the school published them. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.