Dr Lawrence Foley | Education Leader
Dr Lawrence Foley, Future Academies chief executive, is an experienced education leader. At Future Academies, he champions research-informed educational practices, a knowledge-rich curriculum, and explicit instruction. He is dedicated to ensuring that young people’s circumstances never limit their life choices or opportunities.
In his role, Lawrence leads a multi-academy trust comprising 10 schools across Hertfordshire and London, with a combined annual turnover of £50 million. He oversees organisational development, coordinates the work of the Curriculum Centre, and manages school finance, operations, and improvement.
Career
Previously, as an executive principal at the Harris Federation, Lawrence transformed Harris Academy Tottenham by implementing a comprehensive improvement plan that enhanced student attitudes to learning and outcomes. Under his leadership, the academy achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. He also focused on fostering a positive working environment, which significantly improved staff retention and morale.
Lawrence began his career in education through the Teach First programme in 2013. Coming from a non-traditional family background and as a free-school-meals child, he views this experience as a vital opportunity to increase representation in education leadership. Like many Teach First ambassadors, he progressed to become a headteacher and is one of a select few to have risen to the role of CEO.
Philanthropy
Outside of his professional life, Lawrence actively supports charities such as RNID and AMMF. Following the loss of his mother-in-law to cholangiocarcinoma in 2023, he has raised funds and awareness for AMMF through half marathons, honouring her memory and supporting others affected by this rare cancer.
Personal
In his free time, Lawrence enjoys running, cycling, working out, reading, and tackling DIY projects. He is also a theatre enthusiast, with A View from the Bridge and Hamlet among his favourite plays.
He holds a BA and an MA in English Literature, a PGCE in English through Teach First, and a PhD in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, which he earned in 2014.
