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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and support students' emotional and mental health.
- Company: Lift Broadlands, a nurturing secondary school in Keynsham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, healthcare, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape a positive school culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding or pastoral leadership with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a school with an excellent reputation.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Keynsham, Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted on: 20/03/2026 – Application Deadline: 19/04/2026
Salary: Main Pay Range 1 - Upper Pay Range 3 + TLR + pension + additional Lift Schools benefits
School: Lift Broadlands, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2DY
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Start: September
This is a rare opportunity to influence culture and practice at scale and help set the standard for safeguarding excellence.
Your new school
Lift Broadlands is a small secondary school in Keynsham, fostering a nurturing environment for students aged 11-16 and led by an incredible Principal, Laura Stone, who is passionate about ensuring that every student has access to an excellent education, in every classroom, every day. We are conveniently located near Bath and North East Somerset, with excellent transport links to Bristol and other surrounding areas. We are a small, mixed, fully inclusive comprehensive school and remain one of the best choices for learning in the area. For every student who attends our academy, we aim to raise their aspirations, broaden their horizons and promote a life‑long love of learning. We are an OFSTED ‘Good’ school, and benefit from a number of links with the local community and have an excellent reputation.
Your new role
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead is to hold strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across Lift Broadlands. You will ensure that all staff, pupils, and stakeholders understand and enact their safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education), the Lift Trust policies, and the ethos of the school. As DSL you will lead on early help, intervention, and multi‑agency working to protect and support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ensuring safeguarding is proactive, preventative, and fully embedded in all aspects of school life. You will model high‑quality, trauma‑informed classroom practice and maintain direct relationships with pupils, supporting early identification and intervention through daily teaching and observation.
What you’ll need to succeed
You will have proven experience in a safeguarding or pastoral leadership role with experience of managing safeguarding cases and liaising with external agencies. You will have in‑depth knowledge of statutory safeguarding guidance (KCSIE, Working Together) with a strong understanding of trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware practice. We are looking for someone with excellent communication, empathy, and organisational skills.
We offer you
- Comprehensive training: Access to some of the best developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and much more.
If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school please contact Jessica Billows, Recruitment Manager on jbillows@liftschools.org
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
DSL with some KS4 pastoral responsibility in Bristol employer: SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
Contact Detail:
SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DSL with some KS4 pastoral responsibility in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might know about safeguarding roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge. Familiarise yourself with KCSIE and trauma-informed practices so you can confidently discuss how you'd implement these at Lift Broadlands.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for student welfare during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported students with SEMH needs in the past – it’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace DSL with some KS4 pastoral responsibility in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of DSL. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Safeguarding Knowledge: We want to see your understanding of safeguarding practices, so include specific examples of your past experiences in this area. Mention any relevant training or qualifications that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Personable and Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value empathy and communication skills, so share stories that reflect your approach to supporting students and working with staff.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIR HERBERT LEON ACADEMY
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest statutory safeguarding guidance, especially Keeping Children Safe in Education. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Experience
Prepare specific examples of your experience in managing safeguarding cases and working with external agencies. Highlight any successful interventions you've led, particularly those that involved supporting students with SEMH needs, as this will demonstrate your capability in a pastoral leadership role.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication and empathy, think of instances where you've effectively communicated with students, parents, or colleagues. Be ready to explain how you build trust and rapport, which is crucial for a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills in safeguarding situations. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take in hypothetical scenarios, showing your proactive and preventative approach to safeguarding.