Principal

Lift Wishmore · GU24, South East

Closing date: 30 November 2026 at 2:06pm28 days left
Salary: £98174 - £112353 per annum
Role: Headteacher
Posted: 2 November 2026

55 Alpha Road, Chobham

Woking

Surrey

GU24 8NE

Read the full advert and apply⁠

You apply on the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert, not here.

Job description

Lead with purpose. Rebuild connections. Transform futures. We are seeking an inspiring Principal to lead Lift Wishmore, a specialist school supporting primary and secondary-aged boys with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism. We need a leader with the expertise, ambition and determination to transform outcomes, reconnect young people with education and create opportunities for every child to thrive. At Lift Wishmore, education is about much more than the classroom. It is about helping children rebuild their confidence, feel a sense of belonging and engage with learning again. We want every pupil to leave with the skills, qualifications and self-belief to take their next steps. You will have solid foundations to build on: excellent facilities, an established specialist curriculum, strong community partnerships and a committed staff team. We need an experienced leader who can bring these strengths together, support children who have become disconnected from education and improve outcomes for every pupil. For our children and their families, the right support can make a lasting difference. As Principal, you will play a central part in making that happen. About the role As Principal, you will set high expectations for every child while recognising their individual needs and experiences. You will bring specialist expertise and a compassionate approach, helping colleagues give each pupil the support they need to learn and progress. A central priority will be improving engagement and attendance, particularly for children experiencing emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA). You will work closely with colleagues and families to understand what is preventing children from attending, rebuild trust and find practical ways to help them return to education. You will: Set a clear, ambitious vision for a specialist school where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed. Lead outstanding SEMH and autism-informed practice, ensuring education, therapeutic support and pastoral provision work seamlessly together. Develop effective strategies to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for pupils who have become disengaged from education. Inspire and unite teachers, support colleagues and specialist practitioners around a shared commitment to every child's success. Build on the school's broad curriculum, enrichment and vocational offer, ensuring every pupil develops meaningful skills and qualifications for their future. Strengthen partnerships with families, the local authority, external agencies and community organisations to remove barriers and improve outcomes. Work collaboratively with other specialist schools across Lift, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of outstanding specialist provision. You will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the school, balancing high expectations with a deep understanding of the individual needs of its pupils. About you We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with significant experience in specialist education, particularly SEMH and autism, who combines professional expertise with warmth, energy and an unwavering belief in what every child can achieve. You will: Have a strong track record of successful senior leadership and improving outcomes for pupils with complex additional needs. Bring deep expertise in SEMH, autism and emotionally based school non-attendance, with the ability to translate this knowledge into effective practice. Understand how to re-engage children and families who have become disconnected from education, using relational, inclusive and evidence-informed approaches. Be an inspirational people leader who can bring teaching, support and therapeutic teams together, developing a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture. Have the strategic insight and operational resilience to lead a complex specialist setting while maintaining a relentless focus on pupils. Build trusted relationships with families, the local authority and external partners, recognising that successful outcomes depend on strong collaboration. Be excited by the opportunity to work alongside other specialist school leaders, sharing practice and contributing to improvement across the Trust. Experience of leading an all-through specialist setting would be advantageous, but is not essential. Above all, you will be a leader who brings hope, ambition and possibility to children who may have experienced significant barriers to education. Someone who sees potential where others see challenges and has the expertise, determination and compassion to make a lasting difference. About Lift Wishmore Wishmore is a well-resourced specialist school supporting 92 primary and secondary-aged pupils. With extensive grounds, a Forest School, specialist teaching facilities and dedicated therapeutic provision, the school provides a rich and supportive learning environment. Its ambitious curriculum combines academic learning, vocational qualifications and enrichment opportunities, preparing young people for independence, further education and employment. Strong community partnerships and a commitment to meaningful outcomes are at the heart of everything the school does. With plans to move towards co-educational provision, this is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations and shape the school's next chapter. 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 specialist education leader who believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reconnect with learning, achieve their potential and look forward to a positive future, we would love to hear from you. Closing date: Monday 30 November 2026, 9:00am Interview dates: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Lift Wishmore) and Thursday 10 December 2026 (EdCity) Start date: April 2027 (earlier if possible)

School at a glance

Lift Wishmore

Type: Academy special converter
Age range: 7 to 16
Local authority: Surrey
Region: South East
Religious character: Does not apply
Website: www.liftwishmore.org⁠ (opens in a new tab)

The school's record on Get Information About Schools⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Published school data

Showing 6 of 35 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Published school data: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 · 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: 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 d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · 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","filters":null,"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; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · 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","filters":null,"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; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · 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","filters":null,"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; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a · 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","filters":null,"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; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact

Local area context

DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas: No published SCAP planning-area membership is available for this URN.

Showing 6 of 17 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Local area context: retained periods and publication files
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 · E10000030 · 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 · E10000030 · 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 · E10000030 · 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 · E10000030 · 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 · E10000030 · 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 · E10000030 · 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 26 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.

Pupils

Number on roll: 922025/26
Source and value: Number on roll, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 92. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year
Free school meals: 64.1%2025/26
Source and value: Free school meals, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 64.1%. Display values may be rounded.
Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year
First language other than English: 2.2%2025/26
Source and value: First language other than English, 2025/26, Academic year, 1.0:
Published value: 2.2%. Display values may be rounded.
Percentage of pupils in the published First language other than English breakdown.
DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics
Source dated 4 June 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 1.0:
Academic year

Attendance and behaviour

Overall absence: 58.1%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: 58.10712%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
Persistent absence: 79.4%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: 79.38144%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
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.
Published file
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.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Teachers (FTE): 13.02025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 13. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Leadership (headcount): 32025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 3. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
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: 0.0%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: 0%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final
KS2: published eligible pupil number: 62024/25
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: 6. 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.
Published file
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: 0.0%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: 0%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 2 performance tables
Source dated 21 May 2026.
Published file
Publication version: 18790b4d-31f8-4884-80b6-6a2bb35c16a3:2026-05-21T12:58:37.2090547+00:00:
Academic year · Final

Money

Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium: £67,6502026/27
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: 67650. 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.
Published file
Current conditions of grant
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: £8,2782026/27
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: 8277.81. 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.
Published file
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
Income per pupil: £33,1952025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, response-sha256:960b712ccc78c34be0b0f0c3afb313c4420be6c376cd5593916c4e1adb481037
Published value: 33194.868588235295. Display values may be rounded.
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
Published file
Publication version: response-sha256:960b712ccc78c34be0b0f0c3afb313c4420be6c376cd5593916c4e1adb481037
Reporting year ending

Official school links

Wishmore Cross School · Predecessor · 2012-09-01GIAS · 2 November 2026

These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.

Part of LIFT SCHOOLS (Multi-academy trust)

Latest Ofsted inspection

Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected 24 September 2024, published 13 November 2024 · Requires Improvement S5 Reinspection Visit 2 · number 10341725
Overall effectiveness
Not judged
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding is effective
Yes
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) · 2 November 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: 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
DfE: Special educational needs in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 30 June 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.