Kirstie Fulthorpe

Kirstie is an experienced education leader with a demonstrable track record for securing sustainable improvement in education across groups of schools. With 32 years’ experience spanning mainstream and specialist settings, she has worked as a senior leader for a high-performing London Local Authority, as a school Principal and held executive leadership positions in three Multi-Academy Trusts, including the Harris Federation and Oasis Community Learning. 

Having worked as a Director for the National Autistic Society, Kirstie has significant SEND expertise. She currently serves as a Board Member for a London Multi-Academy Trust and has held several non-executive Director positions as a Trustee for both specialist and mainstream schools. 

Her varied career within the field of education has seen her work for Ofsted as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors as well as for a global management consultancy in the international education sector.  She has contributed to national developments in education and participated in global initiatives, including working with USAID and the New York State Department of Education. 

Alongside her position as CEO of Whitefield Academy Trust, Kirstie is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds the National Professional Qualifications for Headship and Executive Leadership. 

Her areas of special expertise include autism in education, positive behaviour strategies, early reading and phonics and child safeguarding. The rich experiences she has had throughout her career continue to inspire her and inform her practice as our CEO.