Join The Bridge School Academy Community Council and bring your experience, ideas, and connections together with others who want to strengthen education and create opportunities for pupils, families, and staff.
A message from the Headteacher
Welcome to the Academy Community Council. By becoming a member of the ACC, you are joining a team dedicated to making a positive contribution to The Bridge School and the wider community we serve. Working together through collaboration, teamwork and shared responsibility, ACC members help strengthen relationships between the school, families and stakeholders. Your voice is important, bringing valuable perspectives that help shape discussions and support school improvement. Together, we champion the values of the Trust, represent our community, and support pupils to make strong progress both academically and personally. Through partnership and commitment, we can help ensure every pupil thrives, succeeds and feels valued.
Andrew Seager , Headteacher, The Bridge School
Why this matters at The Bridge School
Academy Community Councils (ACCs) play a vital role in ensuring that the school remains connected to, and reflective of, the communities it serves. ACC members represent the voices of families, pupils, staff and the wider community, helping to ensure that everyone who plays a part in a child’s life has the opportunity to contribute to the school’s ongoing development.
Our families all share a common goal: striving for the very best outcomes for their children. ACCs help champion this ambition by supporting opportunities that enable pupils to flourish academically, socially and personally, preparing them for success in school and later life. Through open dialogue, constructive challenge and collaboration, ACCs ensure that different perspectives are heard and valued.
By promoting respect, inclusion and high aspirations, ACCs strengthen relationships across the school community and help uphold the Trust’s values. Together, they create a shared sense of purpose, ensuring every pupil has the support, opportunities and encouragement needed to achieve their full potential.
What will The Bridge School ACC focus on?
Every Academy Community Council works within five shared areas. At The Bridge School, these will be shaped around the needs and opportunities identified with the Headteacher.
- Enhancing the school experience and adding value to opportunities for pupils.
- Championing equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Building meaningful relationships with the community and partner organisations.
- Sharing insight about the school’s context with the Trust Board.
- Positively contributing to the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
During its first meeting each year, the ACC will agree a simple community impact plan and identify the activity it wants to take forward.
The difference you could make
You might contribute by:
- bringing a parent, carer, professional, voluntary, or community perspective;
- helping the school understand barriers, experiences, or opportunities more clearly;
- connecting the school with people or organisations that could support pupils and families;
- taking part in purposeful school visits and listening to pupils and staff;
- helping agreed projects, events, or partnerships move forward;
- sharing insight that can inform decisions and priorities across the Trust.
You are not expected to do all of these things. A strong ACC brings together people with different strengths, experiences, and connections.
We would particularly like to hear from
We welcome expressions of interest from people who can bring a range of experiences and perspectives, including:
- Parents and carers of children and young people with SEND
- Professionals working in education, health, social care or therapy services
- Representatives from community, voluntary and charitable organisations
- Local employers and organisations that can support careers, work-related learning and life skills development
- Former pupils and their families
- People involved in sports, arts, cultural or recreational activities
- Community leaders and faith groups
- Individuals with experience of supporting children and young people with additional needs
We also welcome expressions of interest from people whose experience does not fit neatly into a category. A fresh perspective may be exactly what the council needs.
What is the commitment?
Members are expected to:
- attend three formal meetings each year;
- visit the school once each term for an agreed purpose;
- contribute to relevant actions, events, or partnerships where practical;
- complete required induction and learning;
- follow safeguarding, confidentiality, and conduct expectations;
- serve a four-year term following formal appointment.
School meeting arrangements: The ACC meets three times a year, with meetings offered on a hybrid basis, allowing members to attend either online or in person. In addition to meetings, members are encouraged to attend school events and activities, providing opportunities to engage with the school community and gain a deeper understanding of school life.
Named contact: Stephanie Webb, Office Manager enquiry@bridge.fet.ac
You do not need previous experience
You do not need to have been a governor, work in education, or know how a Trust operates. You will receive induction, required learning, and ongoing support.
We are looking for people who care, listen, ask useful questions, work constructively with others, and want to make a difference to the whole school community.
Register your interest
We welcome expressions of interest throughout the year. Registering your interest is the first step and does not commit you to accepting a role.
After you submit the form, Andrew Seager, Headteacher or Stephanie Webb, Office Manager will contact you to arrange an informal conversation. If the opportunity appears suitable, we will explain the formal application, checks, appointment, and induction process.
Bring your experience. Build connections. Create opportunities.
Help The Bridge School strengthen education and its relationship with the community.