Harlow Fields School and College
Community special school in Harlow (Essex).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
Welcome to Harlow Fields School and College Working together to succeed We are a warm, inclusive and aspirational special school and college for children and young people aged 3 to 19 with a range of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties, autism and physical or sensory needs.
Our dedicated staff work closely with families, professionals and the wider community to ensure every pupil receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive. At Harlow Fields, we believe that every child and young person deserves the very best start in life. Our vision Working together to succeed is embedded in all that we do.
Whether its in the classroom, through therapy, out in the community or at home, we know that true progress happens when we work in partnership. Our curriculum is broad, engaging and carefully personalised to meet individual needs, with a focus on communication, independence, wellbeing, and preparing for life beyond school.
We celebrate every achievement, no matter how big or small, and we are proud of the progress our students make every day.
In the school’s own words, from the school website.
Enrichment
6 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Band
- Film Club
- Lego
- Mindfulness
- Forest School
- Trauma Informed Schools
Awards
1 awardiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- RHS School GardeningRecognised award
Key facts
- URN
- 131838
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Ages
- 3 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Nursery
- Has Nursery Classes
- Local authority
- Essex
- Constituency
- Harlow
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
- Opened
- 1999
Governing body (9 current, 4 former)
Special schools governing body.
Leadership
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Paula Violet | Chair of Governors | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · until 2028 |
Full governing body
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Megan Blake | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Christophe Preaudat | Governor | Elected by parents | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Ms Rebecca Willers | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Jason Wong | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Simon Dewhurst | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Tracey Crowe | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Ms Kathleen Faherty | Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Mr Nicholas Young | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2020 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Ms Lorna Shemmings Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · term ended 2026 |
| Sarah Dodd Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · term ended 2026 |
| Claire Mabbutt Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Penny Sutton Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record