At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the vision and culture of a new special school for students with autism.
- Company: Greenshaw Learning Trust, a vibrant community focused on holistic education.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development, and strong partnerships.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a school from the ground up in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for students with special needs and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in inclusive settings and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Greenshaw Learning Trust is seeking an exceptional and values-driven leader to become the Founding Headteacher of 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, 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
- 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
- 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
Headteacher in Gloucester employer: Greenshaw Learning Trust
Greenshaw Learning Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the holistic development of both staff and students. As the Founding Headteacher of Fernhill School in Sutton, you will benefit from strong support systems, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative network of leaders, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. With excellent transport links and a commitment to values-driven leadership, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape a new educational environment from the ground up.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those involved with special needs. They might have insights or even know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local educational events or forums. This is a great way to showcase your passion for inclusive education and meet potential collaborators who share your vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership style. Prepare a short presentation or pitch about your vision for Fernhill School. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for special education shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pupils with autism and their families.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the role of Founding Headteacher. Highlight your leadership experience in inclusive settings and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commitment to educational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the school and how you plan to create a nurturing environment for students. Be authentic and let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the latest updates about the process. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greenshaw Learning Trust
✨Know the Vision Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the vision and ethos of Fernhill School. Familiarise yourself with the values of Greenshaw Learning Trust and think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission to educate the whole child.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to build a school culture and curriculum. Highlight your experience in inclusive settings and how you've successfully engaged with pupils and families in the past.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you would foster partnerships with local authorities and external partners. Be ready to discuss your strategies for building relationships within the community and how you plan to involve parents and guardians in the school’s journey.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the support systems in place for staff or how the school plans to adapt its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of its students. It shows your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
