Trust Team

Formerly as a Director of Education at I CAN, Tom was successful in leading the organisation’s strategic and operational plans, for the full spectrum of educational and therapeutic programmes offered by their schools, under the I CAN’s umbrella (SEND schools ranging from 5-19). Recent work has focused on Trust growth and curriculum development, ensuring schools have a sharp focus on establishing vision led curriculum offers that meet the needs of the young people and families they serve. Tom has also been a successful Headteacher of a large SEN school in Hampshire.

Tom believes in leaders being role models and uses coaching and professional CPD tools to develop robust teams. This approach is reflective in his collaborative nature. Tom can demonstrate to teams, that understanding the impact of activities is key to measurement and assessment of value and impact.

Tom has worked with a variety of trustees, local governing bodies and understands how fundamental these teams are to supporting a focused monitoring and challenge approach to school improvement.

Tom has a record of delivering ‘outstanding’ education and has mentored potential new Headteachers and Chaired an Executive Board for a successful SCITT programme. His passion for supporting new teachers into the industry is paramount, as is retaining them in the sector to enhance the quality of education. Tom has frontline experience of successful leadership, including delivering Outstanding OFSTED ratings and leading schools from special measures to good.

Tracey is the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), driving the schools' improvement by ensuring outstanding infrastructure, focused resources, and efficient systems. She is dedicated to delivering consistent, timely management information that empowers leaders to make informed decisions and enhances their personal efficiency, creating greater capacity for academic advancements across the Trust.

Tracey is NEBOSH qualified and has successfully led two major building projects, demonstrating her expertise in delivering impactful infrastructure improvements. She also champions staff wellbeing and promotes smart working practices, ensuring that individuals can thrive while welfare is managed proactively and effectively.

With extensive experience supporting schools in special measures, Tracey understands the challenges and long-term commitment required to drive meaningful change. Her career spans work in three counties across a range of Academies and Maintained school settings, equipping her with a deep understanding of diverse educational environments.

Currently, Tracey is furthering her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resources, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional growth and delivering exceptional leadership.

Jenny is the Trust’s Special School Outreach Lead and works across the South of Oxfordshire to support mainstream settings from Early Years to Post-16. The role is funded by Oxfordshire County Council to enable the Propeller Trust’s schools to collaborate with local settings to share best practice in the support of pupils with SEND.

Before joining the Trust in January 2024, she previously worked as a Deputy Head Teacher in two SEMH Schools and was Head of the Communication Interaction and Autism Service in Guernsey. She was also responsible for leading both Primary and Secondary Bases and the C&I Advisory Service for Schools. Jenny enjoyed working as an Advisory Teacher for SENSS supporting pupils with communication and interaction needs.

Jenny is passionate about supporting and empowering school teams to understand the individuality, strengths and needs of pupils with SEND and to help them to provide inclusive support for all.

As an Accountancy graduate, and after of 15 years in a corporate environment, Clare moved into education purely by chance. Originally a TA at Fitzwaryn , and then an HLTA running the sensory theatre, she then got the opportunity to move into her current role in 2022. Supporting projects within the Trust Central Team is where Clair thrives - always loving the challenge of no two days being the same!

Fiona has been a qualified accountant for over 20 years and has worked for FTSE100 companies such as Oracle and PepsiCo. She has supported school operations since 2013 and joined The Propeller Trust in 2021. Fiona joined the Trust Central Team in 2023, supporting all the schools with good financial management, value for money and compliance to spending of public money.”

Carole has worked at Fitzwaryn for 25 years, where her current role, in the Trust Central Team, is Finance and HR Manager, working alongside colleague Dawn Broughton.

Carole has seen the school undergo a total refurbishment over the years and she has found it wonderful to witness pupils grow and thrive from when they start school as a 5 year old, to when they leave at 18.

Having worked at Barclays Bank since leaving school Dawn decided after having children to change her career. Having been very involved in her children’s school PSFA, Dawn knew that she would enjoy working in a school environment.

Dawn started at Kingfisher School in 2003 in the role of finance officer, moving to the Central office based at Fitzwaryn in September 2021. 

Karly's background is in payments, compliance and fraud management, working within the banking sector at Barclays for over 10 years. She joined the Education sector in 2020 at Kingfisher School and moved to the Central team in 2023 to support Finance and Payroll across all of our schools.

Karly is AAT qualified and help support our schools by providing efficient procurement and finance systems across the Trust. 

Michael began his journey at Kingfisher School as a Teaching Assistant before transitioning to Site Manager, a role he held for eight years. In March 2023, he joined the Trust Central Team as IT Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role.

Prior to his time in education, Michael served an impressive 32 years in the Fire Service, where he gained extensive expertise in health and safety, which continues to inform his work today.

Michael particularly enjoys the opportunity to interact with students across all Trust schools, a unique and rewarding aspect of his position. His enthusiasm for making a difference is evident in every interaction he has with staff and students alike.

Helen has worked in education since 2010, beginning her career in mainstream secondary education in Hampshire. She specialised in schoolwide literacy, English, and served as a PSHE Lead, later qualifying as a Level 6 Careers Leader with the Careers Development Institute. After transitioning to special educational needs (SEN) in Oxfordshire, Helen is now in her third year as part of the Propeller Central Team.

In addition to her work in education, Helen has extensive experience as a Staff Governor and has served as a Trustee for two different charities. Her diverse background also includes roles in corporate training and as a community artist, reflecting her creative and versatile approach to professional development.

A self-proclaimed serial learner, Helen has pursued courses in accountancy, management, programming, and counselling, which she draws upon to bring innovation and strategic thinking to her work.

Helen is passionate about enabling success. She generates income for schools through bid-writing and sponsorship opportunities and develops partnerships to bring valuable expertise to support their goals. Alongside this, she oversees the Trust’s marketing and communications, thriving on the variety and challenge of her role.

Emma has spent the majority of her career in Finance based roles until October 2023 when the opportunity arose for her to join the Trust team as a Finance and Administration Officer. Here, she looked mainly at Procurement and Recruitment across the trust schools, amongst other Project based tasks which she has thoroughly enjoyed! In October 2024 Emma moved into the Project Coordinator role.