Class Teacher
Firwood Special School
FIRWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Firwood High School is a successful 11-19 special school meeting the needs of children with complex learning difficulties. We are also part of Woodbridge Academy Trust, in partnership with Ladywood Special School, Woodbridge SEND Services and Woodbridge College (Post 19 provision). Due to the rapid growth & expansion of the school, our Trustees are looking to appoint an outstanding teacher who can support and teach pupils with a range of special educational needs. We invite applications from enthusiastic professionals who have the vision and energy to ensure the continued development and progress of the school. Whether your background is in mainstream or special, primary or secondary, if you possess a creative and flexible approach to teaching and have the skills to teach across a range of subjects to students with special educational needs, we welcome your application. You will: Be an outstanding practitioner Main Duties and responsibilities as TLR Support the strategic direction and development of the school in cooperation with and under the direction of the Executive Head and Head of School - to: As a middle leader, support the vision, ethos and policies of the school and promote high levels of achievement We will offer you: A challenging yet rewarding working environment working with inspirational young people Contract: Full Time Permanent part-time will be considered for the right candidate Closing Date for applications: Sunday, 19th April 2026 Firwood is an exciting place to be and if you are a team player with a commitment to the highest quality provision for pupils with SEN then we would like to hear from you. Candidates from both Primary and Secondary settings are welcome to apply, should you meet the criteria. Not suitable for ECT applicants. Informal visits to school are most welcome by arrangement with Helen Penketh. Please call on 01204 333044. For more information about this role and how to apply please follow this link or QR code: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/146410/EDV-2026-FHS-29722 The school is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
“Learning without Limits”
Head of School: Mrs Dawn Evans
Class Teacher with TLR2C for KS4 Pastoral Lead, post 16 transition and whole school Induction
Be able to creatively plan and deliver the curriculum to pupils with special needs
Maintain appropriate and accurate assessment and monitoring of pupil’s progress
Be able to lead a team of teaching assistants in the classroom
Have a vision and passion for learning
Coordinate a curriculum subject
Identify relevant school improvement issues; support the implementation of the school strategic plan, especially as it relates to teaching and learning.
Ensure post 16 transition is coordinated, including liaison with post 16 provisions, parents and other professionals.
Oversee, lead and develop all areas of KS4 pastoral including attendance and behaviour and early helps to ensure all students are making strong academic progress.
Evaluate the impact of pastoral interventions to ensure all students make expected progress.
To develop, grow and monitor the whole school induction process for new staff.
Professional development to support you in your career
Hardworking, dedicated, professional and enthusiastic staff
The benefits of working in an innovative and forward-thinking school
Supportive leadership and real opportunities to develop as a leader
A genuinely happy and caring place to work
Strong links with the community and our co-located Academy
High standard facilities
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scale Range + SEN allowance + TLR2C
Shortlisting will be held w/c 20th April 2026
Interviews and lesson observations will be held 27th April 2026
Location
Stitch-Mi-Lane, , Bolton, BL2 4HU, United Kingdom
Job ID
2864
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Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach
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To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.
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This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.
What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?
AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.
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When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.
This means:
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Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job
Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role
All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms
AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.
Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.
Using AI in Your Application
When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.
We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.
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How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly
Your application is your chance to show us:
Who you are
What you can bring
The values you hold
Why you want to make a difference
AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.
AI is most helpful when used to:
Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.
Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process
Do:
Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice
Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself
Don’t:
Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have
Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice
