Headteacher

I became Headteacher at Cann Bridge School in January 2023. I collaborate and work 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 our shared mantra, vision and values.

My professional journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. Prior to joining Cann Bridge, I held the position of Deputy Headteacher at a Federation of two special schools in Devon. Here, I oversaw curriculum and assessment and whole developments across two settings. My role as Assistant Headteacher at a cross-site special school in Somerset, I strategically oversaw pastoral care, ensuring a nurturing environment for all learners. I also served as the 6th Form and Careers Leader at a special school in Somerset, and as a class teacher in an outstanding school in Yorkshire where I led the development of careers and preparation for adulthood across the schools.

My experience extends beyond special school experience as I have also been a lecturer, tutor, and mentor in a large Further Education college in the north, where I taught on Foundation Learning and a range of vocational and academic courses. I have also been a youth and community worker and participation worker where I establish and lead a community learning difficulties and disabilities club, advocating and supporting children and young people to have a voice and influence on services.

At Cann Bridge, my focus lies in preparing our learners for the future. I am 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 early years through to Post-16 education.

I am honoured to be part of the Cann Bridge family and to lead the school, where our commitment to being aspirational, learner focused, collaborative and progressive is evident.

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