Would you like to make a difference to the lives and futures of young people with special educational needs?

We currently have two vacancies for Academy Councillors to join the Academy Council at Brookhaven School.

Brookhaven is a specialist secondary school in Bury, supporting young people aged 11–16 with autism and speech, language and communication needs. As part of Shaw Education Trust, we are committed to providing an ambitious, inclusive and personalised education that prepares every student for life beyond school.

Joining our Academy Council is an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the school, support its continued development and positively influence the educational experiences and outcomes of our students.

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of professional backgrounds, skills and experiences. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can bring knowledge or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Education, Curriculum and SEND – experience in teaching, learning, curriculum development or supporting young people with special educational needs.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection – knowledge or experience of safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Careers, Business and Employment – connections with local businesses, employers or industries that could support our careers curriculum, work-related learning and preparation for adulthood.
• Health and Therapeutic Services – experience in healthcare, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, mental health or other therapeutic services supporting young people.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships – experience building relationships with families, local organisations and wider community networks.

Applicants are not expected to have experience in all these areas. We are looking for individuals who can bring valuable skills, fresh perspectives and a commitment to supporting the continued development of Brookhaven School.

Previous governance experience is not essential, as training and support will be provided.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.

Our values— opportunity, integrity, community, and equity —guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.

Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools

Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives.

Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Every pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and celebrated.

By joining one of our special schools, you will become part of a warm, compassionate and highly skilled team, united by a shared belief in what every child and young person can achieve. You will work in a supportive environment where relationships matter, ideas are welcomed and every role makes an important contribution.

Whether you join us as a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional or as part of our administration, facilities or operational teams, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills, learn from experienced colleagues and build a rewarding career in special education.

Our pupils learn in small classes and benefit from personalised education, care and support shaped around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations. Together, our teams help pupils develop their knowledge, communication, independence and confidence, while preparing them for adulthood and their future lives.

Working in one of our special schools is much more than a job. It is an opportunity to join an extraordinary community and make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.

Join us and help transform lives, including your own.