Andy Nowak has been appointed as the Head of Spring School, our new school for autistic children and young people opening next year in south west London.  

Construction is underway on Spring School, which will open on the site of the Moor Lane Centre, Chessington, in September 2023. There will be places for up to 36 pupils in the first academic year. Eventually, the school will cater for up to 90 pupils aged 4-19. 

Andy has a wealth of senior leadership experience supporting autistic children and young people and also has strong connections to the local area. In his previous role, he led the delivery of a purpose-built school for 75 autistic young people in north Kensington. 

He said:

I’m both honoured and hugely excited to be given the opportunity to develop and lead Spring School. The school is a unique opportunity to create something amazing that serves its local community and acts as a centre of excellence across the wider Kingston area for many autistic young people and their families.  

Spring School will be an asset to the entire community, and I cannot wait until our opening day; to see excited young people walk through the doors to access the outstanding support and facilities they deserve. I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about our school, or in being part of our journey to get in touch with us. 

Viv Berkeley, Director of Education at Ambitious about Autism, said:

We’re delighted to have Andy onboard as we prepare for the opening of our brand-new school in September next year.  

Andy’s expertise in developing high quality education services for autistic young people, combined with his knowledge of the local area, will ensure Spring School is both an excellent learning environment and an integral part of the community.

Working in partnership with young people, parents and carers, local schools and colleges and the wider community, Spring School will create opportunities for autistic young people to develop the academic, vocational and social skills to enable them to make a successful transition to adulthood.