Benefits & Development

Why we take a classroom-focused approach

Exceptional teachers are the key to excellent learning. By improving what happens in the classroom, we are able to improve our pupils’ outcomes and enhance their potential. To ensure that every teacher is delivering the very best education possible, we have introduced instructional excellence: a professional-development approach that prioritises classroom practice.

Instructional excellence guarantees that everything from teaching resources to leadership style supports what goes on in the classroom.

This is not about forcing a specific teaching style on schools – we believe that individual schools are the experts in what approach works best for their pupils. Instead, it is about using the classroom as a guiding light for everything else that goes on in the school. ‍ 

What training programmes do we offer?

We offer a carefully curated professional-development programme, blending in-house expertise and bespoke training from external agencies. 

These include:

• National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) - We want aspiring leaders to have the confidence and skills to succeed in the next step of your career. 
• Teaching-assistant apprenticeships - We provide hands-on training to ensure your career in education gets off to the best possible start. 
• Higher level teaching-assistant programmes - We will support you as you increase your role and responsibilities. 
• Leadership development package ‍- We give every school leader access to a £100,000 individual development account, executive coaching, and experiential study tours.

Initial teacher training:

For aspiring teachers ready to make an impact, are you ready to inspire the next generation? Our initial teacher training programme is your launchpad to a fulfilling career in education. You'll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference in young lives. With exceptional support and countless growth opportunities, you'll thrive in our dynamic network of schools. 

How do we support our subject specialists?

Primary and secondary teachers at our schools are able to take subject-specific training courses that enhance subject knowledge and hone expertise.  As a subject leader, you will also be able to connect with colleagues at every Lift school – and you will be invited to help develop our curriculum strategy across the trust.

These subject network groups are led by subject experts with a proven record of excellence and innovative thinking. All our subject leaders are involved in implementing curriculum strategy across all Lift Schools.

What do we offer our aspiring leaders? 

We encourage and support existing leaders – and we trust you to know what professional development you most need. Our principals can choose from development opportunities including: 

• development fund: principals can spend up to £100,000 over five years on their choice of professional development; 
• full induction: principals are offered a year-long induction programme;
• leadership residentials: these run twice every year; 
• experiential learning: hands-on development, including study tours;
• executive coaching: principals can access one-to-one coaching;
• challenge and support: one of our regional education directors will provide regular support – and regular challenges to improve; and
• professional sabbatical: principals can take a sabbatical after five years in the role.

‍We want future leaders to have the confidence and skills to succeed in the next step of their career. We therefore offer access to NPQ courses – including the NPQH for aspiring headteachers – as well as other high-quality leadership programmes.  

What do we offer for colleagues in support roles?

Our teachers wouldn’t be able to do their jobs without the support and dedication of their non-teaching colleagues. We want to develop team members in support roles – enhancing your skills benefits the whole school. We guarantee time and resources for colleagues in support roles to pursue professional qualifications and develop new skills. We also ensure that existing qualifications are kept up to date – and extended.

The professional qualifications we support include:

• chartered accountant: these qualifications would typically be through ACCA, but other qualifications can also be supported, especially for those already part-qualified;
• accounting technician: we offer qualifications via the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), with different levels supported;
• purchasing and procurement roles: we offer Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualifications at different levels;
• talent and HR roles: we offer Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional recognition, as well as qualifications at different levels;
• innovators, trainers and coaches: we offer Google for Education certification to recognise these roles. 

Benefits