Founding Headteacher opportunity: Fernhill School, Sutton
Greenshaw Learning Trust is pleased to announce an exciting leadership opportunity with the recruitment of a Founding Headteacher for the new Fernhill School, a specialist provision opening in Sutton in September 2027.
Fernhill School is a new free special school in Sutton that will open on 1 September 2027. The school is located in Rosehill Park in Sutton and 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.
The Headteacher will:
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Set and deliver the vision, ethos and culture of the school
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Design a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum
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Build and lead a committed, high-quality staff team
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Develop strong partnerships with families, the local authority and external organisations
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Ensure pupils are prepared for adulthood as independent and active members of their community
Fernhill School will be located in Sutton, near Sutton Common station, with excellent transport links across London and the South East.
The salary will be aligned with the Headteacher Group 5 Leadership pay scale (Outer London), L20–L26 (£86,764 – £99,840), with a five-point range agreed based on experience.
Closing date: 11 March 2026