Iqra Academy in Bradford has welcomed Ms Andrea Ives as its new principal, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and providing the best possible support for student wellbeing.
Ms Ives brings a wealth of diverse experience in education, strategic planning and children’s welfare to her leadership of the Academy, which is part of the high-performing, Feversham Education Trust (FET).
In her previous role as managing director of consultancy Cogn8, Ms Ives oversaw school improvement; partner services; provided training to schools, children’s homes and related professionals; and ensured compliance to help organisations reach Good and Outstanding levels of care. Prior to this, Ms Ives served as non-executive director at Warrington Primary Academy Trust and principal of Enquire Learning Trust. These roles demonstrate her strong leadership skills and success supporting students, staff and the wider school community.
As the new principal of Iqra Academy, Ms Ives will be focused on ensuring all students receive the best possible education. She will also be progressing the Academy’s ambitions to strengthen its science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) provision. This involves the development of state-of-the-art specialist learning spaces for science, food, technology and arts subjects, helping to better prepare students for the future economy. Most recently, these facilities and emphasis on STEM learning led a group of students to win the National Primary Innovation Award from the Business of Science Conference.
Additionally, Ms Ives will also be introducing a new wellbeing initiative, piloting a programme that is designed to play a more active role in ensuring the mental wellbeing of students.
Andrea Ives, new principal at Iqra Academy, said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be joining Iqra Academy as principal and continuing its outstanding track record of academic excellence and student wellbeing. Thanks to the hard work of our pupils, staff and parents, our Academy is known for its high-quality provision and I look forward to working closely alongside our entire school community to continue this positive trajectory.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Trust Board for placing their trust in me – I wholeheartedly believe in the power of education and will work tirelessly to ensure our young people receive the best possible support and are empowered with the knowledge and skills to thrive in life.”
Professor Khurshid Khan, CEO of Feversham Education Trust said:
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ms Ives as our new principal at Iqra Academy.
“Ms Ives has worn many hats in her career and possesses intimate knowledge of school governance, education, and student welfare, and I have every confidence that our students, staff and parents could not be in more knowledgeable, capable or dedicated hands.
“I am truly excited to have her on board and look forward to watching both our staff and pupils thrive and excel under her leadership.”
