I am very pleased to welcome you to Blackfriars Academy, a school with a rich history of providing education where every student is valued as an individual. We pride ourselves on working closely in partnership with parents and carers, so that we can provide a personalised education that breaks down barriers to learning and equips students for the next stage in their lives.

Our learning community comprises approx. 120 students aged between 11-16 and over 90 staff, all working towards the goal of supporting students with profound and complex, or moderate or severe learning needs and profound and complex needs to reach their potential, be it GCSE passes and BTEC accreditation, independent travel on public transport, the vocabulary to make simple choices or improved communication skills. We are special because we provide an outstanding educational experience for a vast range of needs in a supportive and caring atmosphere where students blossom in our inclusive environment.

Jamie Campbell

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one

To support our employees in maintaining this level of excellence and help them to achieve their career goals, we offer regular upskilling and training opportunities, no matter their role or level of leadership.

The well-crafted continuous professional development (CPD) we provide benefits not only the individual staff member, but their profession, the organisation, and most importantly the students and young people in our schools too.

To enable all our employees to easily access quality CPD, we established the Institution of Education which provides a wide range of training and research-based opportunities aimed at continually developing staff knowledge and practice. These sessions cover a variety of teaching and operational topics, from curriculum development and leadership skills, to premises management and first aid.

We also encourage collaboration within and between our academies, creating a community of professionals who share a wide range of valuable experience and specialist knowledge. This is supported through our creation of a network of ‘hubs’ across our schools, covering all teaching subjects and operational areas. Our regular hub meetings enable staff members to stay up-to-date with latest guidance and skills, as well as collaborate and practice share with others from different school settings.

As members of our Trust family, our employees receive a range of benefits, including:

An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme or Teachers Pension Scheme.

Generous holiday entitlement from the first day of employment (29 days holiday rising to 31 days after 5 years’ service + Paid Bank Holidays). Teaching staff receive the standard school holiday allowance.

Health and wellbeing support via the Occupational Health service

An innovative Cycle to Work scheme

Our Cycle to Work scheme enables employees to purchase brand-new bicycles and cycling equipment via salary sacrifice, making tax and National Insurance savings.

Fantastic opportunities to help their careers grow, contribute and flourish

Recruitment Brochure

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

We are part of Shaw Education Trust.

We are a growing multi-academy trust which places high achievement at the heart of all we do. We lead and manage academies in all phases, all sectors and in all communities.

To find out more about Shaw Education Trust, please click here