Vacancies
Birchwood Community High School is an OFSTED ‘Good’ School (October 2018 OFSTED Report). We are on an exciting journey with extremely high levels of student engagement and rapidly improving examination results. We hold the very highest aspirations for all members of the school community and are delighted to offer you the opportunity to join our ‘no blame’ coaching culture and be part of our success as we relentlessly strive to raise standards even further.
Our Vision
Team Birchwood believe in the power of aspiration, knowledge and kindness. We know that we achieve our best when we work together.
We are a highly successful Community High School & College. You will be joining a vibrant and energetic work environment and join a highly committed group of staff and students who are ambitious for their future and proud of their school.
Latest Vacanices
Teaching Vacancies
There are currently no vacancies
Non-teaching Vacancies
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Birchwood Community High School is a vibrant and inclusive secondary school committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves on our strong pastoral care, positive relationships, and a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and knowledgeable Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our team. The successful candidate will take strategic and operational responsibility for all aspects of safeguarding and child protection across the school.
This is a key position requiring a deep understanding of statutory safeguarding guidance, strong partnership working skills, and the ability to act decisively in the best interests of children.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on all safeguarding and child protection matters in line with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
- Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
- Work closely with external agencies including children’s social care, the local authority, and other statutory bodies.
- Ensure accurate, secure, and confidential record keeping.
- Provide safeguarding advice, support, and training to staff.
- Promote a culture of vigilance and safeguarding awareness across the school community.
- Contribute to safeguarding audits, policy development, and compliance monitoring.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Significant experience in safeguarding and child protection within an educational setting.
- Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
- DSL training (or willingness to undertake training immediately).
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
- The ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and resilience.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- A strong safeguarding culture embedded across the school.
- Opportunities to shape and develop safeguarding strategy.
- No expectation to be in work during the school holidays, only as and when needed.
Safeguarding Statement
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Further details can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs. This position is subject to a disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
How to Apply
Application forms and further details are available below or by contacting the school directly.
Start Date: April 2026
Salary: £39,152 – £42,839
Salary Grade: NJC Grade 8
Contract Term: Permanent
Contract Type: Full time
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Job Advert
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Application Pack
Closing date for application: 9am Friday 27th February. Interview date: Week commencing 2nd March 2026.
Application forms should be returned to joinus@birchwoodhigh.org and preferably not through TES.
Our teachers have:
Excellent teaching skills.
Experience of leading people, a curriculum area and aspects of teaching and learning.
An awareness of the national educational picture and an interest in educational research.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
High expectations of all and commitment to all aspects of school life.
An open, empathetic and collaborative approach to leadership.
Flexibility, energy and imagination.
Passion and drive to help the school realise its vision.
We will offer you:
An outstanding, positive ethos where staff thrive, students enjoy and achieve.
A school and college that is genuinely at the heart of its community.
Staff and Governors who are committed, talented and highly motivated.
A wide range of professional development opportunities.
First class learning facilities including public library and sports centre with a 3G pitch.
Easy access to Liverpool, Manchester and the Cheshire countryside.
If emailing your application or require further information, please contact Mrs Jane Calderbank, PA to the Headteacher.
