SEN Teaching Assistant

Buckler’s Mead Academy was originally established in 1957 as Buckler’s Mead School, becoming Buckler’s Mead Community School in 1990 to reflect our commitment to our local community.  In 2011 the school became Buckler’s Mead Academy. Along with a new identity and revised leadership, came a strong ethos of the highest expectations for student learning and progress.

We are a mixed, 11 - 16 academy with approximately 800 students on roll.  The academy offers students a challenging curriculum in a calm, well-ordered community.  We are known for our high standards of care, of teaching and our focus on student achievement.  At Buckler’s Mead Academy, young people are exposed to a wealth of opportunities both within and beyond the classroom in an academy that places a strong emphasis on the development of well-rounded individuals of whom the academy and parents can feel justifiably proud.  All staff want the very best for every student and we constantly strive to improve.  We are very clear that the gender, background, race, poverty, wealth or social state of a student should have no bearing on how well they perform and staff here work extremely hard in trying to close that gap between the different groups of students.  We have an excellent reputation for our inclusive work with EAL and SEND students.

We have a deeply founded belief that by appointing top quality staff, training and supporting them fully we are able to provide the very best education for our students. We are an eight times ‘Investor in People’ academy – unique in Somerset – and are very proud of the quality of our staff.

To the visitor, the warm, friendly and positive relationships between staff and students and within the student body itself are immediately apparent - an obvious characteristic of a happy academy where young people learn in an environment of creative and engaging lessons delivered by a dedicated team of staff.  

We have high expectations in relation to attendance, punctuality, uniform and behaviour, so everyone has the opportunity to succeed.  Our academy environment is positive, engaging, supportive and purposeful.

We are determined to build on our successes and aspire to be outstanding in all we do. We offer a real challenge and excellent professional opportunities to colleagues who are keen to contribute their drive, creativity and high expectations to our academy’s future.

A number of staff at Buckler’s Mead Academy have been recruited in different ways and benefited from our commitment to career progression. For example, staff appointed as Teaching Assistants who have gone on to train with us as secondary teachers; supply staff who have been given permanent teaching contracts (which has sometimes led to promoted posts and positions of responsibility); temporary work experience placements where the individual has then secured a training programme in the academy; college apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship here and subsequently been appointed. A number of Buckler’s Mead staff who joined us as newly qualified teachers have been promoted to Heads of Department, Heads of Year and even become members of the Senior Leadership Team.

As you can see, we are keen to match individuals’ skills and abilities to the variety of opportunities which exist within the academy.

If you are interested in becoming part of an academy which makes a difference to the lives of young people we look forward to hearing from you. Should you wish to visit the academy and find out more, please contact Deborah St Paul, Headteacher’s PA/ HR Manager (dstpaul@bucklersmeadacademy.com)

Premises Developments

We’ve invested over £3million in our premises over recent years, with new classrooms, improved and enhanced ICT facilities, more study areas, a refurbished main hall with electronic retractable seating, new entrance, improved sports facilities and more outdoor provision for students. 

Sports Development Project

Our £2million Sports Development Project, in association with the English FA, aimed to make Buckler’s Mead a ‘Centre of Excellence’. This started with the opening of a fantastic new floodlit all weather pitch, with subsequent phases of the project including multi-surface play areas, new gym, new pitches, etc. Our link with the English FA provides a Centre of Excellence, not just for football, but for sport in the Yeovil area.

Educating with Care to Succeed

Our students are at the heart of everything we do at Buckler’s Mead Academy. We treat our students as individuals, setting targets and tracking progress to help them achieve their very best.

Our focus is on giving students a complete learning experience, so that they leave Buckler’s Mead as happy, confident, knowledgeable young people. In order to achieve this our teachers must play their part in providing a stimulating and challenging environment for every student.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Statement

Buckler’s Mead Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Please feel free to come and witness the outstanding achievements of our staff and students by private appointment. You will be very welcome.