Hello!

Birkdale High School has partnered up with Liverpool College to offer trainee teachers two high quality, diverse and rewarding school placements.

As the only 11-16 all-boys academy in Sefton, Birkdale High School aims to be a beacon for outstanding practice in the education of boys and be the school of choice for all boys in the Southport community and beyond. We passionately believe that a single-sex setting at this particular stage of a boy’s education is the ideal environment for them to grow in confidence, close the attainment gap with girls and develop their love of learning. Our boys are able to mature at their own pace, supported and challenged by staff who are experts in teaching boys, and surrounded by peers to whom they can closely relate.

Our vision is driven by the strong moral imperative that it is our mission to provide all our boys with a first class education, outstanding outcomes and better life chances. We seek to challenge stereotypes, we are ambitious for every boy we teach and we want to see a society that benefits from the contributions of our well-educated, well-rounded and empowered young men.

We believe that every child, regardless of their background, should be able to fulfil their academic potential and go on to thrive amongst the demands and expectations of life in modern Britain and beyond. The school’s motto is “Aspire – Thrive – Succeed” and underpins its ethos and approach.

Liverpool College is a state funded academy which educates pupils aged 4-19 on a 28 acre campus in South Liverpool. Since 1840, our intent is to empower the young people of Liverpool and beyond to fulfil their dreams by delivering a transformational and exceptional education. Since our transition to academy status in 2013, we are able to do this for more pupils and, crucially, without regard to the ability to pay fees. Our school motto, “Non solum ingenii verum etiam virtutis”, “Not only the intellect but also character,” taken from Cicero, reflects the College’s constant aim to educate the whole person. Our insistence on “Learning with Character” throughout the College is embodied and practised in our three core Lerpoolian traits: Purpose, Passion, Challenge. Our five schools, Pre-Prep, Preparatory, Middle, Upper and Sixth Form constitute one College in pursuit of one mission. Every pupil belongs to a House during their time at the College. Our Houses provide a continuation of belonging and pastoral care as well as opportunities for competition and growth in leadership. This structure, driven by an enthusiastic and dedicated staff and relentless focus on teaching and learning enables us to focus on the needs and progress of each individual pupil and maintain the small scale in which positive learning relationships grow and pupils are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.

You will spend time in both schools with a placement at each school. The first placement will run from September to February and the second from February to July.

Alongside these school based placements, you will also participate in the PGCE programme offered by Liverpool Hope University, having your subject training delivered by Liverpool Hope tutors, whilst your professional development will be provided in school by experienced teachers from across the alliance. You will also have the opportunity to take part in PGCE conferences and other events organised by Liverpool Hope University. We feel that this mixture gives our trainees the best of both worlds – practical training led by professionals who really know the challenges of school life married with high quality academic input and the opportunity to mix with trainees from across the city region at Liverpool Hope University.

You should be a graduate with a 1st or 2:1 degree. You must have a degree relevant to the subject you wish to specialise in. We will consider a graduate with a 2:2 who can demonstrate a passion and aptitude for teaching.
You must have a grade C or above in English and Mathematics.
Subject enhancement courses are available for some secondary subjects. If your degree subject does not link to your chosen teaching subject, it is recommended that you undertake a subject knowledge enhancement course (SKE) before you begin training.

For more information please contact Mrs C Follett on [email protected]