Director of Learning English and Literacy
The Byrchall High School, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 9PQ17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
16 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
27 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Subject
- English
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Leadership Scale 11 (fixed point)
What skills and experience we're looking for
MAIN PURPOSE
- To develop, implement and maintain the strategic vision, ethos and plans for teaching, learning and attainment to ensure outstanding outcomes for students and staff.
- Under the reasonable direction of the Headteacher, carry out the professional duties of a school teacher as set out in the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD)
- Lead, manage and develop specified strategies that enhance the learning of students, in accordance with the School Development Plan.
- Provide professional guidance in this specified area and enhance the teaching of others.
- Provide support and professional development for Middle Leaders.
- To play an active role in the leadership of teaching and learning across the school including working party and strategy groups.
- To contribute to and attend SLT meetings as required.
- To lead a subject department and model good practice.
- Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current thinking and major initiatives.
- To mentor/coach teachers and leaders at different levels.
- To participate in delivery of CPD sessions.
- To be a senior presence around school and to deal with any issues.
- To have a raised profile at whole school public events.
- To seek out opportunities to gain experience in SLT roles and responsibilities.
- To support the Headteacher to develop a collegiate approach to the operation of the school, raise morale and provide pastoral care to staff.
Line Management
Reporting to – Deputy Headteacher
Responsible for – line manager responsibility for designated staff / departments.
Liaising With
Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, teachers and support staff, LA representatives, external agencies and parents.
Salary Scale
Leadership spine 11 (Fixed Point)
Working Time
Full time as specified within the STPCD
DBS Disclosure Level
Enhanced
2. TEACHING
2.1 Undertake an appropriate programme of teaching with the duties of a standard scale of teacher.
3. STRATEGIC/ OPERATIONAL PLANNING
3.1 Contribute effectively to the development of a positive ethos in which all students have access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which contributes to students’ development and in preparing for adult life within the aims and objectives of the school.
3.2 Review and develop the school’s policy with regard to these strategies and be responsible for overseeing its day-to-day provision, including effective deployment of staff and physical resources.
3.3 ensure that the objectives of this policy are reflected in the School Development Plan.
3.4 Ensure that effective systems are in place to identify and meet the needs of the students and that they are co-ordinated, monitored, evaluated and reviewed.
3.5 Set standards and provide examples of best practice for other teachers and support staff in these strategies.
3.6 Monitor actively the impact of the strategies on student progress.
3.7 Analyse and interpret relevant data, research and inspection evidence to inform the strategies.
3.8 Manage the planning function of the curriculum area to ensure that these reflect the needs of the students and the aims and objectives of the school.
3.9 Advise the Headteacher and governing body on student progress and the effectiveness of the provision of the strategies.
4. CURRICULUM PROVISION
4.1 Liaise with the Deputy Headteacher to ensure the delivery of appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective strategies which complement the school’s strategic objectives.
4.2 Be accountable for the development and management of the strategies.
5. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
5.1 Lead the development of the strategies.
5.2 Identify and disseminate the most effective teaching approaches for implementing the strategies.
5.3 Monitor the effectiveness of appropriate teaching and learning activities.
5.4 Research initiatives at national, regional and local levels that support the development of the strategies.
5.5 Identify and develop study skills to support students in their ability to work independently and learn more effectively.
5.6 Establish with the involvement of relevant staff, short; medium and long term plans for the development of the strategies.
6. STAFFING
6.1 Advise, contribute to and, where appropriate, co-ordinate the professional development of staff to increase their effectiveness in developing the strategies.
6.2 Support staff in their understanding the learning needs of students and the importance of raising their achievement.
6.3 Provide support and training to trainee and Early Careers Teachers..
6.4 Support staff by ensuring that all those involved have the information necessary to secure improvements in teaching and learning, with respect to the strategies.
6.5 Promote teamwork and motivate staff to ensure constructive working relationships.
6.6 Engage actively in the performance management review process and act as a reviewer.
6.7 Take responsibility for own professional development.
7. QUALITY ASSURANCE
7.1 Monitor and evaluate the development of the strategies in line with agreed school procedures.
7.2 Implement systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing students’ needs appropriate to the strategy.
7.3 Monitor short-term planning to ensure needs are met.
7.4 Monitor the progress made in setting objectives and targets for students.
7.5 Assist in the evaluation of and effectiveness of teaching and learning and use the analysis to guide further improvement.
7.6 Contribute to the school procedures for lesson observation.
7.7 Seek/implement modification and improvement where required.
8. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
8.1 Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information.
8.2 Make use of analysis and evaluation of performance data to inform practice.
8.3 Identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports and review the progress on the action taken.
8.4 Produce appropriate action reports for various audiences e.g. the Governing Body, parents.
9. COMMUNICATIONS AND LIAISON
9.1 Ensure that all staff are familiar with the policy.
9.2 Develop and maintain effective partnerships between parents and the school’s staff to promote learning and provide information.
9.3 Liaise with partner schools other relevant external agencies in order to maximise support and share information.
9.4 Contribute to the development of effective links with the community.
9.5 Take part, where necessary, in liaison events such as parents evenings and link days with partners schools.
10. MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
10.1 Establish staff and resource requirements to meet the needs of students with regard to the strategies.
10.2 Advise the Headteacher and senior leadership team of likely priorities expenditure.
10.3 Allocate resources to meet the objectives of the school and the policy to maximise students’ achievements and ensure value for money.
10.4 Organise and co-ordinate the deployment of learning resources, including ICT and monitor their effectiveness.
10.5 Maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop or incorporate new resources from sources inside and outside the school.
10.6 Co-operate with other departments to ensure a sharing and effective usage of resources to the benefit of the school and the students.
11. PASTORAL SYSTEM
11.1 Help to monitor student attendance together with students’ progress and performance in
relation to targets set for each individual in relation to the strategy, ensuring that follow-up
procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
11.2 Act as Form Tutor and carry out the duties associated with the role as outlines in the
generic job description.
11.3 Contribute to PSHCE, citizenship and enterprise according to the school policy.
11.4 Assist in the implementation of the behaviour management policy so that effective learning
can take place.
12. SCHOOL ETHOS
12.1 Play a full part in the life of the school community, supporting its distinctive mission and ethos and encouraging staff and students to follow this example.
12.2 Support the school in meeting its legal requirements for collective worship.
12.3 Promote actively the school’s corporate policies.
12.4 Comply with the school’s health and safety policy and undertake risk assessments as appropriate.
What the school offers its staff
WHY WORK AT BYRCHALL HIGH SCHOOL?
Working at Byrchall High School offers several compelling benefits and opportunities:
Modern Facilities
New Building: The school recently moved into a brand new, state-of-the-art building, providing a modern and well-equipped environment for both teaching and learning.
Supportive Community
Collaborative Environment: Byrchall High School fosters a supportive and collaborative atmosphere among staff, encouraging professional growth and teamwork.
Professional Development: The school is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff, offering various training and career advancement opportunities.
Student-Centred Approach
High Standards: The school emphasises high standards of attainment and behaviour, creating a positive and focused learning environment.
Diverse Curriculum: Alongside core subjects, the school offers a wide range of courses, including Music, Drama, Food, Business, Graphics, Art, Product Design, Spanish, French, and Engineering
Extracurricular Opportunities
Rich Extracurricular Program: Staff have the chance to engage with students beyond the classroom through various clubs, sports, and activities, fostering a well-rounded educational experience
Community Engagement
Local Impact: Being part of the Wigan community, the school actively engages with local organisations and initiatives, providing staff with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community
WORKING FOR MAKERFIELD ACADEMY TRUST
As the first Training School in the country Byrchall has a long rich tradition in providing high quality and bespoke professional development. The school takes great pride in the professional learning opportunities it offers staff at all levels. Joining Byrchall’s learning community will provide you with full access to a well-established and forward-thinking network which strives to help you build a long and rewarding career across our Academy trust.
Byrchall is a strategic partner of the Generate Teaching School Hub and Learning Futures Teacher Training partnership. The Alliance works with a range of primary and secondary schools across Wigan to lead and deliver training and development. Whether you aspire to become a middle or senior leader, or the ambition to become an outstanding practitioner in your area of expertise, our Academy trust will provide you with unequalled access to a range of bespoke courses and qualifications. These courses include a suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), Lead Practitioner (LP) and Expert mentoring. The academy trust takes a lead role in delivering these programmes across the partnership enabling our staff to gain accredited facilitator, expert mentor and coach status with some of the lead National educational providers. In addition, the academy trust oversees the development and provision for Early Career Teachers on behalf of the Local Authority accrediting body and takes a lead role in delivering the Early Career Framework enabling staff to gain relevant accreditation for facilitation and mentoring.
The Academy trust is proud of the close partnership it has with Edge Hill University providing access to a Masters Programme, Research Projects, the National SENCO award and a range of Level 6 & 7 accredited programmes. Some of our staff alumni have even progressed their career via this partnership going on to secure leadership roles within the Faculty of Education. In addition to these exceptional accredited programmes, the school leads Secondary Networks across each of the Subject Disciplines creating the opportunity to collaborate with teachers and leaders across Wigan, sharing up to date research, resources and working together to grow subject expertise, professional practice and personal development. This high impact model of professional development is replicated in school where all staff have protected timetabled time to meet. The trust actively encourages and organises best practice visits across all educational settings including primary, secondary, special and colleges sector.
Our aim is to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. Our staff CPD programme is underpinned by the most recent and relevant educational research. The excitement of our new build will enable staff to continue to develop Modern and Innovative practice across all aspects of education.
We have a highly experienced team of leaders, mentors and subject specialists, who are all committed to supporting your career and develop. We look forward to receiving your application and discussing your career aspirations further at interview.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Byrchall High School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1075 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Byrchall High School website
- Email address
- delkin@byrchall.wigan.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01942 728221
Formerly the Ashton Grammar School, Byrchall High School is now an 11-16 co-educational Comprehensive School of 1000 students. The school takes its name from Robert Byrchall, the original founder of the school in 1588.
The school is governed by the Makerfield Academy Trust, which is a charitable company. The members of the Trust agree its visions and values. The Board of Directors set the strategic direction of the organisation, ensure the vision and values are upheld and ensure financial probity. The school has a Local Governing Body who oversees the leadership and management of the school.
The current Byrchall High School is a modern, forward looking establishment. We aim to be at the forefront of teaching and learning developments and are highly committed to CPD. Our emphasis on learning and achievement is allied to a strong moral and ethical dimension that reflects our founding principles.
The school was judged as ‘Good’ in all areas by OFSTED in September 2022. They noted that the school has high expectations of what pupils should achieve, and it has a clear and ambitious strategy for school improvement. It said the pupils behave well around the site and that they have positive attitudes to their education.
Byrchall High School has a truly comprehensive intake, ranging from students who will go on to study at top universities to those who require additional support. All students are valued equally. Byrchall High School has a strong academic record. In 2022, 75% of students achieved grade 4-9 passes in both English and maths. Across all subjects Attainment 8 was 49.62. Both these figures are well above the Wigan and national averages.
Our students participate and achieve in a wide range of academic competitions including Debating and Public Speaking, the UK Maths Challenge, The Big Book Quiz, Engineering and Stem Challenges.
The school is situated on a very pleasant site on the outskirts of the small town of Ashton-in-Makerfield in the Wigan Local Authority. The school is opposite Haydock Park Race Course and very close to the junction of the A580 and the M6 motorway; it is, therefore, easily accessible from any number of directions and within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool.
The school is having a substantial new build programme, which is scheduled to open in September 2024. This includes new sports facilities, drama studios, classrooms, dining facilities, Learning Resource Centre, Administration offices, SEN suite and specialist teaching rooms for Science, ICT, Product Design, Food, Art and Music
Arranging a visit to The Byrchall High School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email delkin@byrchall.wigan.sch.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Teacher of English part time permanent (0.5 contract)
Greenbank High School
Hastings Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LT
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Wigan and Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool