Lead Learning Assistant – Alternative Curriculum

Bushey Meads School - ‘Aspire to Achieve’

Bushey Meads School is part of the highly successful Bushey St James Trust; a growing Multi Academy Trust in leafy Bushey, Hertfordshire. Transport links are good with the M1, M25, A1 and A41 being close by, bus routes are only a short walk away making a journey to train stations easy too. The Trust itself is currently comprised of Bushey Meads School (secondary), Little Reddings Primary School and Hartsbourne Primary School. The Trust is committed to continuous improvement and providing a high quality learning environment for all and is ‘Going for Greatness’.

Our facilities:

Over the past three years we have invested massively in developing the school site with over £6.5 million providing a whole variety of brand new inspiring learning spaces across the school community. These include new English classrooms, a refurbished and extended Learning Resource Centre which is at the hub of our school, new office spaces and meeting rooms, a Professional Learning Area for staff (complimenting the inspiring staffroom) state of the art Performing and Visual Arts spaces (including an inspiring theatre environment in our Main Hall with raked seating, industry standard sprung dance floor, full lighting and PA rig, as well as an additional brand new theatre space for Drama teaching and performance), new Science Labs, a superb Music Block and recording studios, outstanding Sixth Form Study Centre and Sixth Form Café, refurbished Pastoral Care Centre, facilities for our PE & Health Faculty, new Sensory and Medical Rooms for our SEN Faculty and a major refurbishment and large extension for the School Restaurant. 

Our students:

The school population consists of approximately 1200 students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and is a truly comprehensive school incorporating abilities across the full spectrum.  As a secondary school we have students from year 7 (age 11) to year 13 (age 18 / 19) which is Key Stages 3 – 5. We have a specialist ‘Base’ unit which accommodates students with severe Physical and Neurological impairments, one of only three in Hertfordshire LEA. These students are encouraged to be part of the whole school community and are provided with the relevant support enabling them to achieve their full potential. Over 15% of our students have Special Educational Needs and about 13% have English as a second or other language. Some 22% of our students qualify for free school meals. Our well-maintained school site lends itself to creating a real family atmosphere and many visitors to the school comment on the outstanding behaviour of our students and excellent pastoral care.  Staff morale is high, the atmosphere in the school is very positive and students’ work and behaviour in and around school reflects this. 

Our exam success:

Student outcomes at GCSE and AS and A2 level have risen rapidly over the last few years and since 2015 we have celebrated our ‘best ever’ results and maintained these year on year. At GCSE 80% of students pass with at least five good A* - C GCSE grades and the school’s positive ‘Progress 8’ Score indicates that on average in every subject, every student is achieving well above their expected level. 

Results at A level are also very good and indicate that we are continuing to add real value to students’ education. With some of our inspiring courses, students achieve almost two grades higher than their aspirational target grades. Students across all subjects celebrate on A level results day as they gain hugely prestigious places at some of the country’s top universities and on highly sort after apprenticeships.

What else do we do?

We have established partnerships with many external organisations and agencies including other secondary and primary schools, Middlesex University and the Local Authority.  The school is a member of the By Leaders for Leaders national network and actively participates in events/courses. We have a very strong and supportive Trust and Governing Body who take an active part in the life of the school – taking assemblies, linking with curriculum areas and being fully involved in moving the school on in its journey of school improvement, for example by attending joint SLT/Governors strategic planning meetings throughout the year.  

Why choose Bushey Meads School?

As a school and across the Trust we rightly expect high standards from both staff and students, but equally look after our best assets – the people who work here. Professional development and resources for staff are a priority and our strong ethos and culture of achievement supports this aim. We offer excellent NQT support including a bespoke programme of training and mentors and are part of the Schools Direct Programme. We are always looking for ways to encourage professional development and to reward those individuals who exceed expectations. 

In September 2018 we opened our ‘Little Gems’ BSJT Day Nursery which offers high quality, heavily subsidised term-time childcare for children of all staff within the Bushey St James Trust. For further information about the BSJT Little Gems Day Care Nursery please contact Rachael Coombs, BSJT Business Manager, through the HR Team on 020 8955 8833.

Why not consider joining our great team and make a difference to our students.

Jeremy Turner   

Executive Principal