CLOSING DATE:     Friday 16 January 2026

INTERVIEW DATE:  w/c Monday 19 January 2026

START DATE:         February 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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.

The Music Department is a vibrant and growing area of the school, offering a broad and inclusive curriculum that encourages creativity, performance, and technical skill development. At Key Stage 3, students receive 2 hours of Music across a fortnight. Students study a wide variety of musical styles, developing their skills in music theory, performance on a range of instruments, composition, and music technology. At Key Stage 4, we currently have over 100 students studying Music. The department delivers the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice, providing students with practical, industry-relevant experience across performance, composition, and music technology. 

Music is well supported beyond the classroom, with approximately 120 students currently receiving instrumental tuition. The department offers lessons across a wide range of instruments, including guitar, drums, piano, DJ skills, woodwind, and brass, reflecting a diverse and contemporary musical culture. Students are encouraged to participate in ensembles, performances, and enrichment activities that enhance both their musical confidence and wider personal development. The department offers a range of ensembles including Big Band and Birkdale Rocks, who both perform regularly at school and external events. Working closely with our Drama department, we have recently delivered productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Night at the Musicals, and are currently working towards a performance of We Will Rock You. We also host our very popular Arts Star competition each year, which showcases the many talents of our students across Music, Art, Drama, Robotics, Engineering, Baking and Animation. 

The Creative Department offer opportunities for students to take ownership of particular aspects of the faculty. This has led to the development of our Art Ambassadors programme and our Creative Technical Crew, with roles covering sound technicians, lighting technicians and backstage crew, who are responsible for the running of all technical aspects of our productions. 

The department is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where students of all abilities can thrive, and where music plays an important role in the wider life of the school.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to visit us, meet our team and most importantly, get to know our incredible students. To organise a tour ahead of application, please contact the PA to the leadership team, Karen Anslow on kanslow@birkdalehigh.co.uk

We are really looking forward to meeting you.

Gareth Banks

Headteacher