Dear families,
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Chief Executive Officer of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust.
It is a great privilege to take on this responsibility. My own journey within the academy sector began at Shireland in 2006, and I am proud to return to lead a Trust that plays such an important role in the lives of children and families across the Black Country.
I would like to recognise the exceptional contribution of Sir Mark Grundy, whose founding leadership has shaped the Trust since its earliest days. I inherit an organisation with many distinctive strengths: committed staff, trusted school leaders, innovative curricula and partnerships, and a deep belief that every individual matters.
My own belief is that education should expand what is possible for every child. We must combine high academic expectations with the care, opportunities and wider experiences that enable young people to develop confidence, character and ambition. Every pupil, whatever their background or starting point, should be supported to aim higher, see further and contribute positively to their community.
During my first term, I will visit every academy and spend time listening to pupils, staff, governors and families. I want to understand what you most value about your child’s school, where we can improve and what further opportunities you would like our Trust to provide.
My immediate priorities will be to ensure that:
- every child is safe, known and well supported;
- teaching and the wider educational experience remain of the highest quality;
- pupils with additional needs receive effective and inclusive support;
- our schools maintain their individual character while benefiting from the strength of the wider Trust; and
- our resources, people and partnerships are focused on improving opportunities for children.
I will not arrive with a ready-made blueprint for change. My first responsibility is to understand and protect what makes Shireland distinctive, while working with our schools and communities to identify where we can become even stronger. Where improvement is needed, we will act with care, clarity and ambition.
Families are essential partners in children’s education. I look forward to meeting many of you during my visits and to ensuring that your experiences and views help shape the Trust’s next chapter.
Thank you for the trust you place in our schools and for the support you give to your children each day.
Yours sincerely,
Qamar Riaz
Chief Executive Officer
Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust
