Start date: Easter 2026 (flexible)
Fox Grove School is a vibrant, purpose-built, all-through special school in Leatherhead, Surrey for 152 pupils. The school prides itself on being an inspiring place to learn for young people aged 4-19 with complex autism (ASD), promoting a sense of safety, belonging, connection and trust across the whole school community, together with preparing students for independence for their futures. An Outstanding Ofsted report in 2024 recognised the achievements and unique qualities of Fox Grove School since its inception, providing the best quality targeted and specialist support for all (students) and their families. The vision of the school is for each young person to 'live their best life' and to bring out the best in all its pupils, families, and staff- these filter into every aspect of school life.
We are part of The Howard Partnership (THPT) multi-academy trust, a family of special, primary and secondary schools across Surrey who work together to use and share a wide range of expertise and services. We are proud to be a values-led organisation and have a firm commitment to providing the best possible education for young people of all abilities and backgrounds.
As our new Principal, you will provide strong and innovative leadership for a dedicated staff team, that will further enhance the provision (take the school into its next phase of its journey), the school for the pupils, families, and community it serves.-and make it a beacon of excellence within the local community and beyond This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring or current Principal, experienced in special education, to pave the way for the next chapter of our school. You will bring fresh ideas and experience that will ensure that specialist teaching, learning, care, and support are at the heart of everything we do. The broad, creative curriculum prepares each pupil with the skills & knowledge they need for the next phase of their educational journey and beyond, and the new Principal will play a critical role in providing opportunities for this. You will join us at an incredibly exciting time, taking on a flourishing, oversubscribed special school that is ready for a new leader to make their mark.
In return, we can offer you the chance to develop your career as a special school Principal surrounded and supported by experienced and talented colleagues at both the school and across THPT. At Fox Grove School, we know our children need and deserve the best. If you are an aspiring or established school leader with a passion for inclusive education, then do get in touch.
Interviews: Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th December
The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment.
The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The Howard Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.
As well as verification of identity, we ask all successful candidates to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).