At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and support students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Holly Lodge School, dedicated to providing a world-class education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a community-focused team committed to staff and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Salary: NJC Band E (term time plus 5 days) *Pending Evaluation*
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Apply by: 18 May 2026
Holly Lodge School are recruiting for a Safeguarding Manager & Deputy DSL. We are a comprehensive 11-19 school and sixth form serving the diverse community of Smethwick, West Midlands. Our core values are Ambition, Opportunity and Community: we believe that every child, regardless of their background or starting point, is entitled to a world-class education in the best that has been thought, said and made, and that they should be equipped for joining the great conversations of humankind, shaping the future and living truly rewarding and meaningful lives.
We believe in the power of expertly developed, subject specialist curriculum, alongside research-informed teaching approaches, high expectations for behaviour, and excellent pastoral care in achieving this vision. We are ambitious for the experience of our staff as well as our students: in terms of well-being, professional development and career progression. We believe that the key to staff wellbeing is sensible workload and a positive professional culture, and we place these at the heart of everything we do.
This role will give you an opportunity to provide students with incredible opportunities within the Safeguarding team. If you have a passion for education, and you share our values, please see our application pack via our website https://holly-lodge.org/.
Please provide a cover letter (Maximum of two sides of A4 paper) with your application outlining your skills experience in relation to the job description and person specification. Applicants are welcome to discuss the position further and are encouraged to visit the school, please arrange via HLS_hr@holly-lodge.org.
Completed applications should be sent to HLS_hr@holly-lodge.org by Monday 18th May 2026 at 09.00am.
At Holly Lodge we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from our vision and values. The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role. Holly Lodge supports Equal Opportunities Employment. Please note an online search will be conducted for shortlisted applicants.
Safeguarding Manager & Deputy DSL in Smethwick employer: Holly Lodge High School
Contact Detail:
Holly Lodge High School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Manager & Deputy DSL in Smethwick
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Holly Lodge School's values and community. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations and show how you align with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider info about the school culture and might even give you a heads-up on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your safeguarding skills and how you've handled challenging situations. This will help you shine in the interview and show you're ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Manager & Deputy DSL in Smethwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for in a Safeguarding Manager & Deputy DSL. Highlight key responsibilities and skills that match your experience to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it to two sides of A4 and clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with our values of Ambition, Opportunity, and Community. Make it personal and engaging!
Show Your Passion for Education: We want to see your enthusiasm for safeguarding and education. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or how you plan to contribute to our school community.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Holly Lodge School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holly Lodge High School
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students in diverse communities, as this will show your commitment to their welfare and your understanding of the role.
✨Align with Their Values
Holly Lodge School values Ambition, Opportunity, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with these and be ready to share examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment to these principles during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to safeguarding and staff wellbeing. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively to their culture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
In your cover letter and during the interview, highlight specific experiences that relate to safeguarding and pastoral care. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've made a difference in previous roles, as this will help you stand out as a candidate.