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.

Ellie has spent more than a decade working in school business management, leading teams in finance, HR, facilities, catering and beyond. She describes herself as someone who likes “getting things done properly”, and colleagues value her knack for turning complex projects into smooth operations.

She is especially proud of managing a £10m school rebuild and relocation during the height of the pandemic — a challenge that required calm organisation and an ability to keep everyone pulling in the same direction. Alongside big-picture planning, Ellie is passionate about the everyday things that make a difference, from introducing staff wellbeing initiatives to making sure schools run safely and compliantly.

Known for her mix of strategic thinking and practical know-how, Ellie enjoys solving problems, streamlining processes, and making life easier for those around her. She firmly believes that when schools are well-run behind the scenes, pupils with SEND can shine in the classroom — and she’s happiest when she sees that in action.

John has twenty years' experience in Specialist Education, during which time he has held a wide range of roles.

John has worked at a senior level in Specialist Multi-Academy Trusts for five years. His portfolio of work has included school improvement support, senior leader recruitment and development, strategic planning and strategic financial planning. He has also played key roles in developing effective governance at both a school and Trust level.

John is proud to have started his career as a teaching assistant in a special school and to have worked at all levels in specialist education, including teacher, subject leader, Assistant Head Teacher and Headteacher. He has used his experiences to support the development and careers of colleagues at all levels.

During his time as headteacher of a specialist school John oversaw a number of key developments including the development, implementation and ongoing review of a broad school curriculum, the delivery of a comprehensive residential trip programme and a successful careers programme leading to successful employment for some students.

Throughout his time as a school and Trust leader, John has also played a key role in local developments in the sector, both through chairing the Oxfordshire Association of Special School Headteachers for three years and through representing the sector and contributing to a number of strategic boards and forums.

John believes in the importance of pupil and parent/carer voice, both when planning pathways for individuals themselves and when planning organisation and sector improvements and developments.

Amy's profile coming soon!

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.