I was born and have grown up in inner city Birmingham. As a child I attended Highfield Junior & Infant School, a large Victorian built primary school in the Saltley area of the city. I was delighted when Highfield joined our family of schools, becoming the third member of the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), in 2015. My parents were first generation immigrants from Pakistan and from a very early age instilled in me the value and transformational power of education, a journey that I began at Highfield in 1978 as a four-year-old who spoke no English.

My background and past experiences give me a unique insight into the communities I currently serve as Executive Headteacher and CEO of PACT. There are currently more than 3000 children at the five primary schools and one brand-new secondary school that make up the PACT Family. We understand that from time to time some of our children and families experience very challenging circumstances, we are clear in our belief however that there is no excuse for underachievement and that regardless of their situation; all of our pupils will fulfil their potential.

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