End of an Era at Fearnhill

Change is coming to Fearnhill School this summer as Liz Ellis, headteacher for the last eight years, is retiring from her role. Her deputy, Tim Spencer, is taking over as head from September.

Mr Spencer has been at Fearnhill for the last four years and has played a key role in the school’s growth and development. He is excited about the new role and said: “I am delighted to be succeeding Liz Ellis as headteacher at Fearnhill. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school and I am looking forward to leading the school on the next stage of its improvement journey.”

Ms Ellis said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead Fearnhill since 2015.

“It is an ambitious school with a huge sense of community and belonging, high academic standards and a bright future. I have had the opportunity to work with some remarkable professionals over the years and I am confident it will continue to grow and thrive under Tim’s leadership.

“The School’s response to the pandemic in particular was amazing. People pulled together and supported each other, taking time to listen and take care of the whole community.

“Of course another great moment was our Ofsted inspection last September, where the inspectors saw the results of all our work as the ‘Fearnhill Family’, commenting on it in the final report.

“The School is ready and set for the next challenge.’

Nye Hathway, Chair of Governors, commented: ‘I wish to express my sadness at Liz’s leaving but she has provided us with an exceptional successor in Tim Spencer.  Like all great leaders she has left us with leaders not followers among the staff and among students too.”

Ms Ellis and Mr Spencer