About us

Propeller Academy Trust was established in 2013, when Kingfisher School and Fitzwaryn School came together to form a shared vision for exceptional specialist education in South Oxfordshire. From the outset, the Trust embraced the role of Sponsored School to support schools in securing at least a good Ofsted judgement, becoming the first Special Needs Trust in Oxfordshire to hold this status.

Since then, Propeller has continued to grow with purpose. Bishopswood School joined in 2023, and also Woodeaton Manor School in 2025. In September 2025 we opened a brand new school, Hawthorn Academy, as a specialist SEMH provision serving Bracknell and the surrounding communities. Its opening represents a significant and much-needed expansion of support for children and young people who require specialist social, emotional, and mental health provision.

Across the Trust, we have delivered over £1 million of capital development and investment, including the opening of new Sixth Form centres at Fitzwaryn and Kingfisher. These projects strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of our schools while expanding the specialist pathways available to young people locally and out of county.

Alongside this physical growth, we have focused on developing robust central services, digital systems, and collaborative working practices. These foundations enable smart working, strong succession planning, and the flexibility needed to support our schools as they continue to evolve.

Our schools remain committed to providing high levels of progress, academic achievement, life skills, and enriching experiences for every learner. Many of our young people move on to successful employment or supported pathways within their communities, reflecting the strength of the curriculum and the relationships at the heart of each school.

Propeller Academy Trust is more than a family of schools. It is a connected, values-driven community built on collaboration, expertise, and a shared belief that together we can achieve remarkable outcomes. We invite you to explore our story, meet our team, and discover how we are helping to shape brighter futures across all our schools.

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