Pastoral Leader (Student Support Leader)

Lift Firth Park

Fircroft Avenue
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 0SD
United Kingdom

Salary: NJC 12-15 £24,488 - £25-709 (Actual Salary) £28,598 - £30,024(FTE) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: 37 per week, 39 weeks per year

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 5th August

Interview date: 10-12th August

Start date: September 2026

About the Role

This is a dynamic, student-facing role where no two days are the same. You'll support the Head of Year, and take ownership of monitoring behaviour, attendance and punctuality while providing outstanding pastoral care.

You'll build strong relationships with students, families and staff, acting as a trusted adult, problem-solver and role model; ensuring every student is supported to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion student wellbeing by providing proactive pastoral support and early intervention
• Monitor behaviour, attendance and punctuality, identifying trends and implementing effective strategies
• Act as a key worker for vulnerable and "at risk" students, including those with SEND or safeguarding needs
• Lead on behaviour support, including de-escalation, behaviour plans and reintegration following suspension
• Work closely with families and external agencies to secure the best outcomes for students
• Use data systems to track, analyse and report on student progress, behaviour and pastoral trends
• Collaborate with teaching staff and senior leaders to maintain a positive, inclusive school culture

What We're Looking For (Essential Criteria)

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent
• Experience motivating young people and promoting high expectations
• Strong data skills-able to analyse trends and use insights to drive action
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the education sector
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families and professionals
• Calm, confident behaviour management with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations
• Proactive, resilient and solution-focused with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A compassionate, non-judgmental approach and genuine passion for supporting young people

About Lift Firth Park

Lift Firth Park is a vibrant, mixed secondary school for students aged 11-16. Located in Shiregreen, Sheffield, we serve around 1,200 pupils and reflect a richly diverse community, with more than a third of students speaking English as an additional language.

The school is currently in an exciting period of new leadership and transformational change, and we are already seeing the positive impact, in the classroom, across the curriculum and throughout our culture. This is an excellent time to join our team. We are looking for individuals who share our dedication to inclusive, aspirational education and who are excited to contribute to our renewed vision and ambitious future.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of 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 and travel deals.

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.