The Cavendish School, Cambridgeshire’s first state maintained special free school and the world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school, opening this Autumn, has appointed Jake Allcock as its Assistant Headteacher of the Lower School.
Jake joins The Cavendish School having worked in special needs education for the past six years, from Highfield Ely Academy, where he was the Department Lead for Early Years and Primary. In his new role, Jake will take responsibility for the Lower School (Years 3-8) and will be instrumental in the development of the IB primary curriculum and assessment system.
Discussing his appointment, Jake said: “Having a positive impact on the lives of autistic students is a real passion of mine. The opportunity to make a difference and fill a true need, while working alongside experts in the senior leadership team, is something I am looking forward to; I can’t wait to get started and for the school to open later this year!”
Stephanie Smith, Deputy Headteacher, The Cavendish School, commented: “As part of our commitment to championing and removing barriers to education for autistic students, we need a team of passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable educators to lead the conversation. Jake’s appointment is evidence of our ongoing commitment to this, and everyone within the school community will be able benefit and learn from his experiences of working in special needs education. I greatly look forward to working with him.”
The Cavendish School will be co-located with Impington Village College and Impington International College, and aspires to build an inspirational culture where students can enjoy learning, achieve their potential and develop the skills they will need to thrive as independent adults. Initially the school will admit around 40 students (Years 3 to 7) and will then grow, year on year, to a maximum capacity of 80 students, aged 7 to 19 years (Years 3 to 13).
Ryan Kelsall, Deputy CEO of Eastern Learning Alliance, which The Cavendish School is part of, said: “As we look forward to our official opening in the autumn, we are delighted to have strengthened our team even further with the appointment of Jake. Jake’s experience and expertise in special needs education will be a real asset in helping advance our mission of ‘enabling the self’ and empowering our students to find their place in the world.”
To find out more about The Cavendish School, please visit: https://thecavendishschool.org.uk/