Join our Trust

A note from our CEO

Together, stronger

Choosing to join a trust is one of the most important decisions a school will make. It is about trust. It is about values. And it is about the future you want for your children, young people and staff.

At Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, we believe deeply in the power of education to change lives. Every day, in every school, for every child. That belief has guided us for more than 20 years as a Trust, and for over 150 years through our wider Haberdashers’ heritage.

We are a family of nine primary and secondary schools serving richly diverse communities across south-east London. Our contexts differ, but our purpose is shared. We work together to build knowledge, confidence and character, so that every child and young person can thrive at school and beyond, whatever their starting point.

We set high expectations. And we match them with care, support and challenge. Schools are never left to face complexity alone. When one school succeeds, we all learn. When one school faces difficulty, we step in — together.

Being part of the wider Haberdashers’ family gives our schools something distinctive. A powerful connection between state and independent education. It opens doors to life-changing networks and experiences for our young people, whilst giving our staff extensive opportunities for professional learning and collaboration. All while protecting what makes each school unique.

Schools that join us do not lose their individuality. They gain a community. A values-led partnership. A network committed to improving outcomes, developing people and creating places where pupils and staff feel they belong.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our Trust. If our approach resonates with yours, we would welcome the opportunity to explore what we could achieve together.

Jan Shadick
CEO, Haberdashers' Academies Trust South

The Haberdashers' Experience

1. From 3 to Forever: developing knowledge, confidence and character
Our schools work collectively to ensure that every learner, regardless of background, is supported to succeed at school and be prepared for life beyond it, by intentionally developing their knowledge, confidence and character, from one phase to the next.
2. A Place to Belong: inclusion at our core
Inclusion is who we are—we are committed to creating an environment where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to thrive. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that we all belong, every voice matters and every success is celebrated.
3. Proud to be Haberdashers: our unique advantage
Belonging to the Haberdashers’ family of schools opens doors to unrivalled networks, creating life-changing opportunities and deep-rooted connections for our learners and staff. Haberdashers' learners are empowered and prepared to make a positive impact in tomorrow's world through our unique network, which unlocks professional opportunities and real-world experiences.
4. Investing in our People: the best place to work

We are committed to being a great employer—attracting, retaining, and developing talented staff—while championing teaching as a profession of choice, ensuring that future generations continue to be inspired to enter and strengthen the sector.
5. School Improvement: built in, not bolted on
Our schools receive continuous and comprehensive support as standard, not just when needed. We aim to create a culture of continuous growth and high expectations, where self-evaluation, challenge and targeted support drive excellence. Collaboration is key to this, with our schools sharing expertise to strengthen outcomes.
6. Strong Governance and Leadership: a key to our success
Our strong leadership and prestigious networks drive excellence in every school. Rooted in our 'Leaders Who Care' framework, the combined strength and commitment of our experienced Trust/School leaders and expert Trustees and Governors ensures our schools thrive and our learners excel.
7. Trust Support and Expertise: a sustainable, scalable operating model
Our operating model provides the infrastructure and high-quality professional expertise to support our commitment to be excellent schools. This ensures that school leaders can focus on what really matters—educating our children and young people

Download our brochure

Find out more about our approach in our brochure

The Haberdashers' Advantage

Developing character and confidence is central to our key purpose of helping our pupils develop into happy and successful individuals who will contribute to making their communities, and the world, a better place.

That’s why our Character Curriculum runs from Early Years to Sixth Form, preparing pupils for higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Through direct teaching, enrichment activities, and
real-world experiences, our pupils develop the
skills and mindset to succeed.

Haberdashers' Advantage in action

Youth Advisory Board
Annual Youth Conference
Primary Habs Change Makers programme
Sixth Form Livery Awards
Young Musician of the Year
Habs Music Festival

Annual Carol Service
Trust-wide sports days
Trust-wide swimming gala
Social action projects
Habs Literacy Festival

Habs Aspire

Habs Aspire mentoring connects every sixth former with a professional
mentor. This supportive and inspiring relationship aims to nurture students’
academic and personal growth while helping them make confident, informed decisions about their future.