13 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    9 July 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    26 June 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Other leadership roles

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Pay scale

BTCT Leadership Pay Scale Points 6-8 (£58,569 - £61,534)

What skills and experience we're looking for

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

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 the school offers its staff

At Bridgwater College Academy, our colleagues benefit from:

  • Teachers’ pension scheme
  • Employee Reward Scheme – including high-street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre.
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free on-site parking
  • Opportunities to work collaboratively across the Trust
  • A chance to shape and develop specialist ASC provision

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

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). 

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on school website (opens in new tab)

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About Bridgwater College Academy

School type
Academy, ages 3 to 16
Education phase
All through school
School size
1576 pupils enrolled
Age range
3 to 16
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report

Bridgwater College Academy is a mixed all-through Academy which combines both primary and secondary education for pupils aged 3 to 16. The academy, which is sponsored by Bridgwater and Taunton College, is located in Bridgwater, Somerset, England.

Arranging a visit to Bridgwater College Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@btc-trust.org.

School location

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