Teacher of PE and Games (Head of Lacrosse)

Information for Candidates applying for the role of
Teacher of PE and Games (Head of Lacrosse)

Required for September 2026

Birkenhead School, awarded the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North-West for
2025, was founded in 1860. It is an HMC independent day school providing education for boys and girls drawn
from the whole of the Wirral, Merseyside, and as far afield as Chester and North Wales. There are currently some
83 children in Early Years (44 in Nursery aged under 3 years old, 39 in our “Pre-Prep” aged 3 to 5 years old), 299
pupils in the School’s Prep (ages 5-11) and 510 students in Years 7 to Upper Sixth Form. Birkenhead School has
been  fully  co-educational  since  September  2008,  offering  the  choice  of  an  independent  education  to  all  local
children. Across the School approximately 45% of students are girls.

Situated in the leafy suburb of Oxton, the School enjoys excellent facilities. The main campus has a ‘village green’
atmosphere, with classrooms and laboratories looking out over the cricket square. Recent capital developments
have included a new landscaped playground area and an outdoor classroom. There are ongoing and substantial
investments in ICT facilities. In addition to the main campus, the School owns 17 acres of playing fields on two
sites nearby – the primary one being McAllester Field on Bidston Road.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION & VALUES

The School comprises Nursery and Pre-Prep (Early Years), Prep and Seniors and integrates their objectives and
activities  within  a  ‘One  School’  concept.  The  Headmaster  chairs  the  School’s  Senior  Leadership  Team  (SLT)
comprising the Head of Prep, Deputy and Assistant Heads, the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Bursar.

Birkenhead School prides itself on being a family school. It is attractive to parents to have all their children in one
school,  and  it  is  a  great advantage  for  the  school  to  be  able  to  establish  strong,  long-lasting  relationships  with
families. The move to co-education reinforced this and at present, 217 families have more than one child in the
School and 27 have three or four children.

A key feature of the School is its strength of community, which runs through the student, staff and parental bodies.
The School is embedded within the wider Wirral community, has strong links with local business and charities, and
offers an extensive bursary programme. The School aims to inspire students both inside and outside the classroom,
knowing each individual and providing them with outstanding opportunities to find their niche.

A dedicated, talented and collegiate staff body is required to achieve these aims. The School’s informal motto is
Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, to which we have recently added inclusivity, compassion, integrity, humility
and  courage  as  defined  School  values.  Birkenhead  School  recruits  on  attitude  as  much  as  the  quality  of  an
individual’s qualifications on paper, an approach that has played a considerable role in the winning of the Sunday
Times award – in short, staff go above and beyond in delivering outstanding academic grades and an expansive co-
curricular  programme  which  leads  to  a  fulfilled,  inspired  and  happy  community  –  staff,  students,  parents,
grandparents and alumni (Old Birkonians-OBs).

SENIORS
PREP
510 STUDENTS
299 PUPILS
AGED 5-11
AGED 11-18
Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
159 BOYS / 140 GIRLS
295 BOYS / 215 GIRLS
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

NURSERY / PRE-PREP
83 CHILDREN
AGED 3 MONTHS – 5 YEARS
49 BOYS / 34 GIRLS

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Already  established  as  one  of  the  leading  lacrosse  schools  in  the  country,  Birkenhead  School  now  seeks  an
outstanding lacrosse coach and qualified PE & Games teacher to further enhance the quality of its lacrosse and
wider sports provision. This appointment comes at an exciting time for the School as it builds on its Sunday Times
award of Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 in the North-West.

The role sits at the heart of one of the School's key pillars  - an outstanding co-curricular programme - and the
successful  candidate  will have  played  lacrosse  to a  high  level,  be  strongly  qualified  in  this  and  other sports,  be
experienced in teaching academic PE and also offer the ability to teach a second academic subject (at least to KS3).

THE DEPARTMENT

The PE Department currently consists of three full time and two part time specialists in the Senior School, and a
co-ordinator of PE and Games in the Prep department, led by the Director of Sport, Mr Darryl Taylor. The School
offers both GCSE and A Level PE. All members of the department have an input into PE and Games for both
boys and girls. Within the staff community, we have a number of colleagues who have international, as well as
regional and county experience.  This greatly enhances the coaching provision of our major sports and helps foster
confidence, teamwork and the development of specific skills in the students. We are assisted by a large number of
colleagues from other departments who contribute enormously to the wide range of co-curricular sporting activities
offered.  Facilities  are  excellent  and  include  a  sports  hall,  indoor  climbing  wall,  weights  and  fitness  suite  and
gymnasium, as well as an astro turf sports pitch and several acres of playing fields.

The School has an excellent sporting tradition and boys’ and girls’ teams compete very successfully in regional and
national competitions. Senior squads embark on major overseas tours. At an individual level, a number of students
have performed at county, regional and international level in their respective sports. In order to maintain our high
level  of  team  and  individual  success,  the  successful  candidate  will  need  a  strong  commitment  to  co-curricular
involvement after school and each weekend.

The  main  winter  sports  for  boys  are  Rugby  and Hockey,  with  Lacrosse,  Netball  and  Hockey  for  Girls.  In  the
summer,  Cricket  and  Athletics  are  the  main  activities.  It  is  important  that  the  successful  applicant  is  able  to
coach/teach these sports or be willing to develop their skills to teach and coach and contribute to co-curricular
activities in these areas.

Whilst the department is justifiably proud of the School’s co-curricular achievements it also believes strongly in a
‘sport for all’ philosophy and PE staff encourage all levels of ability to ensure that students fulfil their potential
both in PE lessons and co-curricular activities. It is important that any new member of the team embraces this
philosophy.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of Lacrosse will be a qualified PE teacher tasked with taking the participation and achievement of lacrosse
at Birkenhead School to new levels. Regular  winners of North of England age group tournaments,  the  School
competes annually at the National Championships and regularly reaches the later stages of the top Championship
division.

Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

The role would suit an ambitious individual keen to drive excellence across lacrosse and other sports. Girls' cricket
is  a  current  focus  of  development  for  the  department,  and  there  is  also  scope  to  further   develop  the  current
strength and conditioning provision and support for the School's elite athletes.

The School enjoys excellent relationships with a number of local sports clubs, and the successful candidate will
enjoy marketing the School within these environments, and also establish lacrosse within the School's international
touring programme.

The successful candidate will be an excellent practitioner in the classroom delivering academic PE lessons alongside
a second subject (up to 0.4FTE). An ability to teach a humanity particularly would be welcomed.

Responsibilities

•  Teaching, marking, assessment and grading within the department, always setting the highest standards of

personal organisation and administration. All teachers are expected to:

Teaching

•  Contribute  to  a  department  academic  extension  programme  designed  to  stretch,  challenge  and  inspire

students.

•  Meet the needs of different groups of learners including SEND students and those identified as potential

high attainers

•  Keep abreast of developments in the subject, maintaining contacts with other schools, exam boards and

professional associations.

•  Ensure students are properly prepared and entered for exams.
•  Work co-operatively with the Director of Sport and the rest of the PE department in order to operate a
well-structured games programme. Candidates will be expected to run 2-3 after School sessions each week
•  Contribute  to  the  organisation  of  co-curricular  activities  both  in  relation  to  the  department  and  wider

School community

•  Provide a stimulating learning environment
•  Liaise with students about sports and other related subjects at Universities.
•  Liaise with Prep regarding sporting and enrichment activities.

Assessment

•  Give timely, positive and helpful feedback to students
•  Complete reports to a high standard and within specified deadlines
•  Regularly assess and mark student’s work in line with School and department guidelines

Tutoring

•  Actively monitor students’ progress and provide support where necessary
•  Encourage student’s self-development and personal expression through PSHEE and tutor sessions

Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

Professional Development and Wider Contribution to the School community

•  Proactively engage in continuous professional development to reflect on and improve teaching repertoire
•  Participate in arrangements for the appraisal and review of own performance
•  Contribute to the life of the community, particularly by leading and contributing to co-curricular activities
•  Commitment to sports fixtures including every Saturday
•  Presenting the School at Parents Evenings, Open Days and other events
•  Support and develop the use of ICT within the department.

Additional Elements

Teachers are expected to: -

•  Adhere to the School’s Code of Conduct
•  Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
•  Support and encourage the School’s ethos and objectives
•  Ensure facilities, including equipment and teaching areas, are maintained in an appropriate condition.
•  Demonstrate a commitment to improving and developing the school’s processes and facilities.
•  Carry out such duties that may be reasonably required by your Line Manager.

THE PERSON

The ideal candidate will:

•  Be a qualified teacher.
•  Have experience of teaching academic PE to A Level and a humanity subject to at least KS3.
•  Hold high-level coaching qualifications in lacrosse and other sports.
•  Have a wide experience of teaching and coaching in both participation and performance.
•  Have the ability to lead and develop a sports programme.
•  Be approachable and lead a team with an ability to inspire others to work collaboratively.
•  Be organised, efficient, and strong at the deployment of resource effectively.
•  Have high level communication skills with excellent time management.
•  Have the ability to engage and motivate young people.
•  Set and maintain high standards in all aspects of the role and personal presentation.
•
•  Be able to work effectively and collaboratively with the Director of Sport and Prep School, and put their

Inspire others to have confidence through sharing personal knowledge and experience.

vision into effect

•  Have a vision for Lacrosse at Birkenhead School and can clearly identify the steps and tools required to

achieve it.

Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

Salary
Birkenhead School operates its own salary scale, competitive depending on experience and expertise.

Hours
This is a permanent, full-time post and the post holder will be required to contribute to co-curricular opportunities
and work as necessary to carry out the duties of the role, including evenings and weekends.

Holiday
You will be entitled to School holidays and Bank Holidays.

Pension
The School operates an auto-enrolment pension scheme.

Other Benefits

We will value and support your contribution to School life and in return provide you with excellent rewards;

•  Working with fantastic young students
•  Working as part of a committed team
•  Membership of a Defined Contribution scheme
•  Term time is 34 weeks
•  Discount on School Fees for permanent members of staff
•  Free use of the fully equipped on-site gym
•  Support for your continuous professional development
•  Lunch provided during term time

APPLICATION

A letter of application indicating skills and experience, together with a completed application form, including the
names  and  addresses  of  at  least  two  referees,  should  be  sent  for  the  attention  of  the  Headmaster  via:
chw@birkenheadschool.co.uk

Applications  may  also  be  sent  by  post  to:  Cheryl  Wallace  (Human  Resources),  Birkenhead  School,  58
Beresford Road, Oxton, Wirral, CH43 2JD

Application forms can be downloaded from the School’s website:  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

Candidates are welcome to contact the Director of Sport, Mr Darryl Taylor via djt@birkenheadschool.co.uk
with any questions relating to the role.

To meet our safeguarding obligations, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is undertaken as part
of the recruitment process for all new staff. As Birkenhead School is an educational provider, it is permitted to
ask whether an applicant has any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings which would not be filtered

Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

in line with current guidance, as defined by The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975
(2013 and 2020). It is a criminal offence for an individual who is barred from working with children to apply for
a role which is classed as regulated activity (i.e. involves working with children). As such, candidates are asked to
also complete the separate Criminal Record Declaration Form on the School’s website. The information disclosed
on this form will not be kept with your application form during the application process.

Candidates selected for interview will be offered the opportunity to have a tour of the School and meet with relevant
members of the department.

The closing date for applications is 9.00am on Wednesday 31st March 2026.

Successful candidates are likely to be invited to interview the following week.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy and complete the recruitment process when we are in receipt of
sufficient applications. Should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to complete and submit
your application form as soon as possible.

Birkenhead School, Registered Office:  The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, CH43 2JD
Tel:  0151 652 4014  |  Fax:  0151 651 3091  |  Email:   headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk  |  www.birkenheadschool.co.uk