January 2026 Leadership
Dear Parents/Carers and members of our community,
Many of you will know that Isabelle Linney-Drouet has been at the heart of Future Schools Trust for many years. After over a decade of dedicated service, initially as Headteacher of Cornwallis Academy and later as Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, Isabelle has decided that this Christmas will mark her well-earned retirement.
On behalf of the Trustees, staff, and our wider school community, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Isabelle for her unwavering commitment, care, and leadership. Throughout her time with us, she has always upheld our values of ‘Integrity’, ‘Respect’, and ‘Collaboration’, leading with a genuine belief in the potential of every young person. We wish her every success for the future.
Identifying the most suitable leadership for the future requires due time and careful consideration to ensure alignment with our Trust’s values and long-term strategic vision. Therefore, to maintain continuity and build upon our strong foundations, we will be implementing a number of interim leadership arrangements from January 2026. This will consist of an Executive Leadership Board led by Mrs McMahon, the highly successful Headteacher of Cornwallis Academy, who will assume the interim role of Executive Headteacher. In addition, we are delighted to have secured some of the time of an exceptional primary leader, to support and help develop Tiger Primary School and Tiger Cubs Day Nursery, who will also serve on our Board. Mrs Crittenden has many years’ experience of delivering unparallelled excellence in primary education in the area.
Executive Leadership Board members from January 2026:
- Mrs McMahon – Executive Headteacher FST / Headteacher of Cornwallis Academy
- Mr Cook – Headteacher of New Line Learning
- Mrs Crittenden – Executive Headteacher of Orchard Academy Trust
- Ms Vanderson – Director of People and Culture
- Mrs Johnson – Director of Finance
This leadership team reflects the spirit of ‘Collaboration’ and shared purpose that runs through our Trust. Together, they will continue to ensure that our schools are places where ‘Integrity’, ‘Respect’, ‘Equality’, and ‘Resilience’ thrive, and where our young people are inspired to achieve through our shared belief in “relentless ambition for young people.”
As always, we will review these arrangements regularly to ensure they remain the best fit for our community and uphold our high standards.
Your sincerely
Marilyn Hodges
Chair of Trustees