Vice Principal & SENDCo

An exciting opportunity to shape the future of Lift Charles Warren

Lift Charles Warren is entering an exciting new chapter, and we are looking for an exceptional leader to join us as our Vice Principal and SENCO.

With Jade Christie joining as our new Principal, alongside Michelle Court, our Regional Executive Principal, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our school as part of a new senior leadership team. Lift Charles Warren is a welcoming and inclusive primary school in the village of Simpson, Milton Keynes, serving children aged 4–11. Alongside our mainstream provision, we proudly deliver Butterflies, our specialist Communication and Language Provision for pupils in EYFS to the end of Key Stage 1. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring every child receives an excellent education in every classroom, every day.

About the role

This is a unique leadership opportunity for an experienced and values-driven leader who combines outstanding educational leadership with expertise in inclusion and SEND.

Working closely with the Principal, you will play a pivotal role in leading whole-school improvement while providing strategic leadership for SEND and inclusion. You will help shape the school's vision, drive high standards of teaching and learning, and ensure every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to flourish.

In this role, you will

• Work in partnership with the Principal to deliver the school's strategic vision and improvement priorities, deputising when required.
• Provide strategic leadership for SEND and inclusion, ensuring high-quality provision and statutory compliance across the school.
• Lead and develop colleagues through coaching, professional development and instructional leadership to continually improve teaching and learning.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment, ensuring all pupils achieve ambitious outcomes.
• Oversee and further develop our specialist Communication and Language Provision, Butterflies, ensuring it is fully aligned with our mainstream provision and inclusive ethos.
• Champion early identification, effective intervention and ambitious provision for pupils with SEND, working closely with families, staff and external agencies.
• Promote a positive culture of high expectations, excellent behaviour, attendance and inclusion, where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed.
• Build strong partnerships with families, the local community and external professionals to secure the very best outcomes for every child.

Who we're looking for

• We're seeking an exceptional leader who is ready to make a significant impact across our whole school community. You'll be someone who:
• Has a proven track record of leading whole-school improvement and securing excellent outcomes for all children.
• Is an outstanding instructional leader who inspires, coaches and develops others to achieve their very best.
• Has a deep commitment to inclusion and a passion for ensuring every child can thrive, regardless of need or background.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, resilience and the ability to lead with clarity, integrity and compassion.
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external partners.
• Shares our unwavering commitment to safeguarding, high expectations and delivering an excellent education for every child, every day.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you

Find out more

If you'd like to visit the school or have a confidential conversation about the role, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Mev Hussain, Talent Resourcing Partner, at [email removed] to arrange a visit or discuss the opportunity further.

Please don't wait until the role closes; we will review applications as they come in and arrange interviews as soon as possible.

Start Date: January 2027

Interview Date: 29 September 2026