Headteacher

I assumed the role of Headteacher at Cann Bridge School in January 2023, collaborating closely with the governing body to strategically and operationally lead the school, ensuring our learners receive nothing short of the best education. It fills me with immense pride to serve as the headteacher of Cann Bridge, working alongside a dedicated team, all driven by the shared pursuit of excellence.

My professional journey has been marked by a diverse and enriching tapestry of experiences. Prior to my tenure at Cann Bridge, I held the position of Deputy Headteacher in a prominent Federation comprising two special schools in Devon. Here, I had the privilege of overseeing curriculum and assessment developments. My role as Assistant Headteacher at a cross-site special school in Somerset afforded me the opportunity to strategically guide pastoral care initiatives, ensuring a nurturing environment for every learner.

Before joining Cann Bridge, my passion for guiding learners through crucial stages of their educational journey led me to serve as the 6th Form and Careers Leader at a special school in Somerset. Additionally, my tenure as a class teacher in an outstanding school in Yorkshire honed my leadership skills, allowing me to shape the development of careers and preparation for adulthood agendas across the school.

My commitment to education extends beyond traditional classrooms. I served as a lecturer, tutor, and mentor in a large Further Education college in the north, imparting knowledge in Foundation Learning and a diverse range of vocational and academic courses. Furthermore, my background as a youth and community worker and participation worker equipped me with the skills to establish and lead a community learning difficulties and disabilities club, emphasising inclusivity and community engagement, leading a range of groups to support children and young people to have a voice and influence services.

At Cann Bridge, my focus lies in preparing our pupils for the future. I am deeply committed to leading a school that places community and learners at its heart. My specific interests encompass the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) agenda, careers education, applied, work-related, vocational, and experiential learning. I am dedicated to ensuring that our learners not only acquire skills and knowledge but also build a strong foundation from their early years, continuing seamlessly through to Post-16 education.

I am honoured to be part of the Cann Bridge family, where our commitment to being aspirational, learner focused, collaborative and progressive is evident in all that we do each and every day.

Roles, responsibilities and strategic oversight of:

• School culture
• Teaching & Learning
• Curriculum and assessment
• Behaviour
• Additional and special educational needs
• Professional development
• Organisational workforce and financial management
• School improvement
• Working in partnership
• Governance and accountability
• Admissions
• Strategic Lead for Communications
• Premises
• Health and Safety
• Pupil Premium Lead
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Shane Baker
BA (Hons), PGdipE, MA, QTLS, MSET