Head of ASC Base (Polden Centre)

Bridgwater College Academy; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgwater College Academy seeks an exceptional leader to head the Polden Centre ASC Base. You will oversee a specialist ASC provision, drive improvement, and ensure outstanding academic, social and emotional support within a safe, aspirational environment.

As part of the leadership team, you will collaborate with families, external agencies and colleagues across the Academy and Trust to promote high expectations and inclusive practice, guiding staff development and curriculum pathways.

Qualifications

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Significant experience working with students with ASC/SEND.
• Confident and compassionate leadership.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Committed to inclusive education and improving outcomes for all learners.
• Ability to coach colleagues to develop outstanding practice.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

QTS

ASC/SEND experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Coaching

Job description

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