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Work for Us

Why work for us?

Our pupils thrive in a mature, supportive, purposeful and happy environment. They benefit immensely from working with our trained, talented and dedicated Class Teachers and support staff, and from participating in a wide range of exciting and inspiring extra-curricular activities. As a result they make excellent progress but also grow into wonderful young adults.

By joining Bidwell Brook School, you can expect:

  • High quality, bespoke Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Career Progression
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • An excellent employee assistance programme which includes physiotherapy, counselling, wellbeing and access to private healthcare if applicable
  • Staff discounts
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • A wide range of staff training and development opportunities, including work based teacher training


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.   All our staff across the Learn to Live Federation require an enhanced DBS disclosure and the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of their role with confidence and fluency in English.  If you are interested in any of the vacancies detailed below, please complete an application form.  We do not accept CV's.

Current Vacancies

ASSISTANT HEAD (INCLUSION) based at ELLEN TINKHAM SCHOOL & COLLEGE, EXETER

Inspire Belonging. Champion Opportunity. Transform Lives.

Start Date: Autumn Term 2026/asap, Contract: Fixed term, 1 year, Salary: L8-L12

The Learn to Live Federation is seeking an exceptional Assistant Head (Inclusion) to join our Federation Leadership Team.

Our Federation comprises two Local Authority maintained special schools, Bidwell Brook and Ellen Tinkham, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. We are committed to ensuring that every learner feels valued, included and empowered to achieve their full potential.

The post is temporary due to one person returning from maternity leave on part time hours and another person has a temporary reduction in hours.

The Role

As Assistant Head (Inclusion), you will lead and promote inclusive practice across the Federation, working closely with senior leaders, families and external agencies to remove barriers to learning and improve outcomes for pupils.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the Federation’s inclusion strategy.
  • Promoting attendance, positive behaviour and pupil wellbeing.
  • Supporting pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and Children in Care.
  • Building strong partnerships with families and external agencies.
  • Leading targeted interventions and reintegration support.
  • Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Lead for Children in Care.
  • Monitoring inclusion, attendance and behaviour data to drive improvement.


About You

You will be a passionate and strategic leader with:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
  • Degree-level qualification.
  • Strong knowledge of SEND, EHCPs and safeguarding.
  • Experience of promoting inclusion, attendance and positive outcomes for pupils.
  • Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.

 

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to shape inclusion across a forward-thinking Federation.
  • A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
  • Professional development and leadership opportunities.
  • Staff wellbeing support, including physiotherapy, counselling and a 24/7 GP service.
  • The chance to make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.


For further information, or email completed applications to sbedford@bidwellbrook.devon.sch.uk. 

Closing Date: Friday 28 August 2026.