Academy Councillor

Are you passionate about education, inclusion and helping children and young people achieve their full potential?

The Russett School is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Academy Council. This is a rewarding voluntary role where you can use your skills, experience and perspectives to support and challenge school leaders, helping to ensure the very best outcomes for our pupils.

About The Russett School

The Russett School is an all-through special school for pupils aged 2-19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Complex Needs. As part of Shaw Education Trust, we are committed to providing outstanding education, care and opportunities that enable every pupil to thrive and prepare for adulthood.

What Does an Academy Councillor Do?

Academy Councillors work strategically alongside school leaders and the Trust to:

• Support and challenge school improvement
• Monitor pupil outcomes, attendance and wellbeing
• Promote safeguarding and inclusion
• Ensure public funds are used effectively
• Act as ambassadors for the school within the community
• Contribute to the school's vision and values

No previous governance experience is necessary. Full induction, training and ongoing support will be provided.

We Are Particularly Interested in Hearing From Individuals With Experience In:

• Education
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Health and Social Care
• SEND
• Legal Services
• Business and Leadership
• Estates, Health & Safety or Facilities Management
• Community Engagement

What Is the Commitment?

Typically:

• Six Academy Council meetings per year
• Occasional school visits and training 

What Will You Gain?

• • The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families
• • Leadership and governance experience
• • Access to high-quality governor training
• • The chance to support an exceptional special school community

Interested?

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Academy Council that reflects the communities we serve.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma Leach, Headteacher The Russett School by Tel or email (see attachment)

Our pupils would like someone who is:

Funny, happy, caring, keeps us safe and helps us to learn!"

We value……. Community – Resilience – Wellbeing – Respect - Empowerment

At the Russett School we seek to prepare our learners for life through prioritising skills required to meet their full potential. Through our specialist curriculum, our children and young people are empowered through a strong emphasis on the development of individual communication strategies and life skills. Our Russett team provide enriching and safe environments, where our pupils are encouraged to develop independence, whilst promoting well-being for a happy and fulfilled future.

The Russett School is a specialist setting registered for pupils aged 2 to 19 years whose primary need is associated with having a Severe Learning Difficulty (also known as SLD) and/or Complex Learning Needs. We are also part of Shaw Education Trust. 

Our curriculum is bespoke. This means that it has been carefully designed specifically for learners who have SLD. It has been written to meet the varying needs of pupils who first and foremost have a severe impairment in relation to their cognitive function and or learning ability. 

The Russett School also supports pupils who may have further needs in addition to their severe learning difficulty. For example; some of our pupils have severe communication and interaction needs. 

Pupils at Russett undertake learning activities within classes in mixed ability groups of around 11 pupils with peers similar in age.

Class sizes are generally supported by 4 adult adults (one class teacher and three Teaching Assistants).

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.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role and is offered on an unpaid basis. While the position does not carry a salary, it provides an opportunity to support the wellbeing and development of young people within the Academy.