At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and strengthen school effectiveness with a focus on Christian values.
- Company: Join the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education, supporting 191 Church of England schools.
- Benefits: Be part of a meaningful mission with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a supportive team and opportunities for leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while promoting spiritual development and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, strong relational skills, and a passion for Christian values.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Diocese of Blackburn represents the Church of England across most of Lancashire and part of Wigan, supporting 191 Church of England schools in delivering high-quality education rooted in the Christian faith.
The Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education (BDBE) works to support, challenge, and equip schools in delivering excellence in:
- school effectiveness
- Christian distinctiveness and spiritual development
- leadership development
- governance
- curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment
- organisational structures and academisation
- safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion
- SEND and vulnerable learners
Every school has an assigned School Advisor and receives a bespoke programme of support, challenge, and leadership development.
The Diocese of Blackburn seeks an experienced, relational and rigorous Diocesan Schools Advisor to support, challenge, and strengthen school effectiveness across the Diocese. This post focuses on:
- school effectiveness (policy, procedures, systems from a Christian perspective)
- school improvement (learning, teaching, curriculum from a Christian perspective)
- Christian distinctiveness, collective worship and spiritual development
- leadership development
- governance advice and training
- admissions and appeals support
- structures, partnerships and academisation pathways
- SEND, inclusion and wellbeing (from a Christian perspective)
Working as part of the School's Team and reporting to the Head of Schools, the postholder will provide high-quality advisory support to headteachers, governors, clergy and school leaders, ensuring that every school is equipped to flourish academically, spiritually and organisationally.
For further information on this role, please visit General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn. Alternatively, please complete the following documents and forward them to hrapplications@blackburn.anglican.org:
- Application form
- Confidential declaration
- Equal opportunities monitoring form
Closing date: 4pm, 15th May 2026
Interviews: From 10:30am, 3rd June 2026
Diocesan Schools Advisor in Blackburn employer: Church of England
The Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the spiritual and academic growth of its staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to engage in leadership training and innovative practices that enhance school effectiveness across the Diocese. Located in the heart of Lancashire, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a community-focused organisation that values Christian distinctiveness and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Diocesan Schools Advisor in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those connected to the Church of England. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the Diocesan Schools Advisor role and might even get you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Diocese's values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their focus on Christian distinctiveness and school effectiveness. We want to see your passion for education and spirituality!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We love authenticity! Think about how you can demonstrate your skills in leadership development and governance advice through real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in our schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Schools Advisor in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The Diocese of Blackburn values Christian distinctiveness and school effectiveness, so make sure your application reflects an understanding of these key areas.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Share your experiences and how they align with the role of a Diocesan Schools Advisor. Highlight your passion for education and how your values resonate with the Christian ethos of the Diocese.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your responses to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Show us how your skills in leadership development and school improvement can make a difference in our schools.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you complete all required documents and send them to the right email address. We appreciate attention to detail, so double-check everything before hitting send. And remember, applying through our website is always a good option!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Christian Perspective
Make sure you understand how the role of a Diocesan Schools Advisor integrates with the Christian faith. Be prepared to discuss how you can support schools in delivering education that reflects Christian values and distinctiveness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience in school effectiveness, leadership development, and governance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully supported schools in these areas, and be ready to explain your approach to challenges.
✨Engage with the School Community
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with headteachers, governors, and clergy. Think of ways you can show your relational skills during the interview, perhaps by discussing how you've previously collaborated with various stakeholders to enhance school performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations related to SEND, inclusion, or spiritual development. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions clearly, as this will showcase your problem-solving abilities and commitment to wellbeing.
