Zoe Foulsham Appointed Headteacher of Fernhill School
Greenshaw Learning Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Zoe Foulsham as Headteacher of Fernhill School, a new specialist secondary school for autistic children in Sutton, opening in September 2027.
Zoe brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to inclusive education. For the past 16 years, she has served as Headteacher of Aerodrome Primary Academy in Croydon, a school recognised for its inclusive practice and commitment to meeting the needs of all learners. During this time, she led the development of an enhanced learning provision for children with Developmental Language Disorder, ensuring that high expectations and strong relationships remained central to the school’s approach.
Will Smith OBE, CEO of Greenshaw Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Zoe to Fernhill School at such an important stage in its development. She brings clear strategic leadership and deep expertise in inclusive education. We are confident that her leadership will play a key role in establishing a strong and ambitious provision for children and families.”
Fernhill School will be a purpose-built specialist provision for autistic students aged 11-19 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who meet the Local Authority’s admissions criteria. Located within Rosehill Park in Sutton, the school will provide 96 places and offer a broad and ambitious curriculum focused on rich learning experiences and preparation for adulthood from Year 7 onwards.
The £20m+ development, designed by HLM Architects and constructed by Reds10, will include specialist therapy spaces, sensory integration rooms, quiet rooms as well as specialist science, music, art and food technology classrooms and outdoor learning areas. The school is also being designed to operate at Net Zero Carbon.
Speaking about her appointment, Zoe Foulsham said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Headteacher of Fernhill School and excited to be at the very start of this journey. Opening a new school is a rare and privileged opportunity, and I look forward to working with the Greenshaw Learning Trust team, families and the wider community to create a school where every child is valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”
