Founding Headteacher

Fernhill School (new special school), Sutton

Greenshaw Learning Trust

Start date: January 2027

School opens: September 2027

Greenshaw Learning Trust is seeking an exceptional and values-driven leader to become the Founding Headteacherof a new special school opening in Sutton in September 2027.

Fernhill School is a new free special school in Sutton that will open on 1st September 2027. The school will provide 96 places for students aged 11 - 19. It has been specifically designed for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan who have a diagnosis of autism, whose primary need is autism and who have associated cognition and learning needs and social and communication needs.

The school will provide a high standard of personalised special education for pupils, fostering a strong sense of belonging and agency. With access to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, pupils will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them for their best possible next steps into adulthood as active, independent and engaged members of their wider community.

We are looking to appoint a headteacher from January 2027 to set, drive and implement the vision for the school.

The Opportunity

As Founding Headteacher, you will:

Create and drive the school’s vision, ethos, and culture
Design a curriculum and build transdisciplinary partnerships to deliver the best possible educational opportunities for all pupils
Recruit and develop a high-quality, committed staff team
Work closely with Greenshaw Learning Trust, the local authority, local networks and external partners
Lead the school through its pre-opening phase and into its first years of operation

About Greenshaw Learning Trust

Greenshaw Learning Trust is a vibrant and forward-thinking community of teachers, support staff and learners committed to educating the ‘whole child’ to enable the best possible outcomes and experiences for pupils. We are a values-led organisation with a strong track record of school improvement and leadership development.

As Founding Headteacher, you will be supported by:

An experienced and reflective executive and school improvement team committed to deliberate collaboration and always learning
Strong shared services including HR, finance, estates, and governance
A collaborative network of school leaders who share expertise generously
Professional coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

Has successful senior leadership experience (headteacher or experienced deputy headteacher) in a specialist or highly inclusive setting
Is aspirational for all pupils
Is committed to working in genuine partnership with pupils and their families
Is excited by the challenge of building a school from the ground up
Leads ethically with clarity, high expectations and compassion
Is ready to take on a visible system leadership role

This post would suit an experienced Headteacher or an exceptional Deputy Head who is ready for headship.

Location

The school will be located in Sutton in Rosehill Park near Sutton Common station. Sutton has excellent transport links across London and the South East.

For further information, please download the candidate pack or contact Greenshaw Learning Trust for an informal conversation. We also welcome in person visits that will be hosted by the Assistant Director of Education – SEND and Specialist Provision at Greenshaw High School (a few minutes’ walk from the new special school) including the opportunity to walk around the site of the new school.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

Closing date: 11th March 2026

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