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School profile

Bowden House School

Bowden House is a specialist, residential provision for boys aged 10-18, with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. It offers an effective, educational programme delivered in a safe, stable and supportive environment with an increased opportunity to improve school attendance; raise the attainment and achievement of its students and is committed to enabling each student to strive to reach their full potential. The Care Team work closely with the Education Team and contributes to the stability and learning aspirations of the students.
The school is an incredibly supportive place to work, but can be challenging, due to the needs of the students, as many have experienced childhood trauma. This can affect their behaviour, requiring resilience and understanding from staff.

About our school experience

Details

Staff meet at 9am for a briefing, before meeting students out of breakfast at 9.15am. There are 6 lessons per day, each 50 minutes long. Candidates would spend most of the day with students, observing them in lessons and having the opportunity to interact with them at break / lunch time. It is always best for visitors to engage in lessons where possible and get involved with activities to get to know students. Each student has an education mentor who they spend the end of every day with, so candidates would also be assigned to a mentor 3.35 - 4pm to observe and take part in this process. They could spend some time in the residential setting after 4pm, if they want to see how this is run.
If interested, candidates can discuss things such as teacher training and other areas they might be interested in.

Start and finish times
8.45am to 4.20pm - Flexible

Staff are with students 9.15am - 4pm. Flexibility can be discussed in advance.

Dress code

Smart casual

Piercing are OK, but it is advisable to have small earrings and not wear large necklaces, due to health and safety. Shorts to be tailored and knee-length. No skirts

Teacher training

We work with The University of Sussex to offer SEND placements for PGSE students doing mainstream teacher training.
We have also had TAs who have gone on to do their teacher training with us (through the University of Sussex) on a Schools Direct programme.

Find out more about our teacher training

Links to more information about our school

Entry requirements

You must:

    • Photo identification: Passport or driving licence
DBS check required

No, candidates will be accompanied at all times.

Placement availability

We can offer placements throughout the year, during term-time. Specific dates will be discussed with individual candidates.

School experience type
In school

Location

Address
Firle Road, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 2JB
Map showing Bowden House School
Parking

Yes - on site parking provided

Staff parking is slightly further up the road from the main school gate. There is a buzzer to press to be let in.

Disability and access details

We offer facilities and provide an inclusive environment for students, staff and school experience candidates with disability and access needs. We're happy to discuss your disability or access needs before or as part of your school experience request.

Access needs policy

Address
Firle Road, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 2JB
School phases
Secondary (11 to 16)
DBS check required

No, candidates will be accompanied at all times.

Subjects
  • Art and design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Citizenship
  • Design and technology
  • English
  • Maths
  • Music
  • Physical education
  • Physics