Head of ASC Base (Polden Centre)

Full time| Permanent |Leadership Scale 6-8 (£60,619-£63,688) | Anticipated start date: January 2027

About Bridgwater College Academy

Bridgwater College Academy is a vibrant all-through academy where ambition, high expectations and a commitment to excellence drive everything we do. Serving students from early years through to secondary education, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young people are empowered to achieve their full potential. As part of an exciting school improvement journey, we are building a culture of high-quality teaching, strong relationships and continuous development, making this an inspiring time to join our team.

About The Role

Bridgwater College Academy is seeking an exceptional and passionate leader to join our dedicated SEND team as Head of Polden Centre ASC Base. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead our specialist Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) provision and play a key role in our continued journey of school improvement.

As a school, we are committed to securing the very best outcomes for every student. The successful candidate will contribute to this vision by leading and developing our specialist ASC provision, ensuring students receive outstanding academic, social and emotional support within a safe, inclusive and aspirational learning environment.

You will lead a skilled specialist team, oversee student provision and curriculum pathways, and work collaboratively with families, external agencies and colleagues across the Academy and Trust. As a member of the wider leadership team, you will help promote high expectations, inclusive practice and continuous improvement across the school.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage the Polden Centre ASC provision

• Ensure inclusive, personalised learning opportunities for students with ASC

• Coordinate EHCP annual reviews and SEND review meetings

• Support staff development and deliver autism-focused training

• Develop positive partnerships with parents, external agencies and County Hall

• Monitor student progress, provision and intervention strategies

• Promote student wellbeing, independence and voice

• Support inclusive practice across the wider Academy

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and credible leader who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Has significant experience working with students with ASC/SEND

• Is a confident and compassionate leader

• Has excellent communication and organisational skills

• Is committed to inclusive education and improving outcomes for all learners

• Can support and coach colleagues to develop outstanding practice

What We Offer

We care about our staff and are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Teachers Pension Scheme

• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations

• The opportunity to be part of an ambitious and improving all-through academy.

• A supportive and collaborative teaching environment focused on achieving the best outcomes for all students.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 8th October, at 11:59pm

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, Teachers Pension Scheme, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).