Head of Department

The Birtenshaw Group; Bolton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sensory facilities

Income protection

Employee assistance

Free parking

Career progression

Training opportunities

Staff recognition

Staff council

Job summary

The Birtenshaw Group in Bolton is seeking an experienced Head of Department/SEN Teacher to join our Sixth Form. The post requires leadership within a special school environment and a commitment to the education of pupils with EHCPs, significant physical impairment and complex health needs.

Working within our dedicated, safe setting, you will lead staff, develop the curriculum, ensure teaching standards, and uphold safeguarding policies while supporting young people to achieve their potential.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years teaching experience.
• Leadership responsibilities within a school setting.
• Experience in SEN/EHCP contexts.

Responsibilities

• To operate as part of the Senior Leadership Team at Birtenshaw School, Bolton
• To have an active and forward-thinking role in the development of the school’s curriculum.
• To manage teaching staff and ensure that all teaching standards are met.
• To be an active part in the development of the school, as a whole.
• To ensure that all legislation and Ofsted requirements are followed and met.

Job description

Head of Department (SEN Teacher) - Sixth Form

Birtenshaw is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Department/SEN Teacher, with at least 2 years teaching experience, to work within our school in Bolton

About Us .....

Birtenshaw School Bolton is an independent special school offering education for children aged 3-19 who have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan), for pupils with significant physical impairment, complex health needs,learning disability and / or Autistic Spectrum Conditions.

Our dynamic and passionate staff are committed to the Birtenshaw vision of ‘Transforming Lives’. We ensure that pupils receive the same learning and social opportunities as other pupils; which we achieve by providing facilities which are second to none and a creative curriculum tailored to meet their needs.

With dedicated staff, a unique approach and purpose built facilities: we provide a supportive, safe and happy environment; where all young people receive the support they need.

The physical environment is of vital consideration when setting the climate for learning. The building is airy and spacious and provides a calm and safe environment in which pupils can thrive. Adopting a “Total Communication” approach means that we view all behaviour as communication, assessing the function of the behaviour and supporting pupils to communicate more effectively, leading to lower anxiety and improved relationships.

Overall Purpose of Job

• To operate as part of the Senior Leadership Team at Birtenshaw School, Bolton
• To have an active and forward-thinking role in the development of the school’s curriculum.
• To manage teaching staff and ensure that all teaching standards are met.
• To be an active part in the development of the school, as a whole.
• To ensure that all legislation and Ofsted requirements are followed and met.

See full JDPS for full details

What we offer .....

• Purpose built facilitiesincluding: a sensory soft play room, multi-sensory room with immersive technology, sensory integration room, rebound therapy room and a 25 metre hydrotherapy pool with multi-sensory sound and light system
• Group Income Protection Scheme. This provides a guaranteed income for employees who are unable to work as a result of illness or injury.
• Employee Assistance Programme. A 24 hour helpline to support you through any of life’s issued or problems.
• Free parking
• Excellent Career Progression – opportunities for staff who want to climb the career ladder.
• Training Opportunities – we have an extensive range of training available delivered by experienced practitioners.
• Staff recognition schemes such as employee of the month and long service awards.
• Staff Council – Gives a voice to staff members to suggest and implement change.

Closing Date: 29/10/2026 at 09.00am

Interviews: 06/11/2026

All employees are required to committed to implementing Birtenshaw Group policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of children and adults

The Birtenshaw Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users and expects all employees to share and uphold this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, this means that any potential employee is still required to disclose what would normally be considered a “spent” conviction.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in confidence and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via DBS website.

All offers of employment are made subject to safeguarding / pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, pre-employment medical, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.