Bower Learning Partnership
Bower Learning Partnership is a unique and evolving collaboration of specialist education provision, working together to improve outcomes for children and young people with additional and complex needs across Somerset.
At the heart of the partnership is a hard federation between Polden Bower School and Avalon School, alongside a wider strategic role providing executive leadership and support to Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) within Somerset. The partnership works closely with the Local Authority, the Department for Education (DfE) and a range of other partners to strengthen inclusion, specialist provision and system‑wide improvement.
Polden Bower School and Avalon School
From 1 September 2021, Polden Bower School and Avalon School formally formed a hard federation. This followed a period of targeted school‑to‑school support and a formal consultation process.
The federation is led by Helen Farnell, Executive Headteacher, who holds overall responsibility and provides strategic leadership across both schools. The schools share executive leadership, working closely together to:
- Share expertise, staff skills and professional knowledge
- Make best use of resources and specialist facilities
- Strengthen staff training and professional development
- Develop consistent, high‑quality systems and practice
- Improve long‑term sustainability and resilience
This shared approach ensures that both schools benefit from collective experience and strong leadership, while retaining their individual identity and focus on meeting the needs of their pupils.
Avalon School
Avalon School is a small community secondary special school located in Street, Mendip, catering for students in their secondary and post‑16 years.
The school is situated next door to Brookside Academy, which supports a smooth and well‑planned transition for pupils moving from the primary specialist base into Avalon when they reach Year 7. This close proximity strengthens continuity of support and helps pupils and families feel confident at transition points.
Avalon School is known for its community‑focused ethos and for providing personalised provision that supports both academic learning and wider life skills.
How the Federation Was Formed
The federation was established following formal consultation, during which the Interim Executive Board (IEB) of Avalon School requested a long‑term, permanent relationship with Polden Bower School.
This request followed a period of intensive leadership support provided by the Polden Bower team, which helped to stabilise and strengthen provision at Avalon. The success of this support, combined with shared values and vision, led to the creation of the federation as a sustainable, future‑focused partnership.
Wider Partnership and Strategic Leadership
Beyond the federation, Bower Learning Partnership plays a wider strategic role across Somerset by:
- Providing executive leadership and oversight of Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
- Working in partnership with the Local Authority and DfE
- Supporting system‑wide improvement in alternative and specialist provision
- Contributing to strategic planning for inclusion, early intervention and reintegration
This ensures that learning, expertise and effective practice are shared not just between schools, but across the wider education system.
Strengthening Staff and Professional Practice
A central aim of the partnership is to invest in people. The federation and wider partnership create greater opportunities to:
- Develop high‑quality staff training and professional development
- Share specialist knowledge and practice across settings
- Build leadership capacity and coaching opportunities
- Support recruitment, retention and career progression
This collaborative approach benefits staff at all levels and, most importantly, leads to better outcomes for children and young people.