Longsands Academy has shared with the school community the news the school has appointed a new principal to lead the school. Mrs Umara Qureshi will start at Longsands on Monday 1st June.
Mrs Qureshi is joining Longsands from Cedars Upper school in Bedfordshire, where she is currently head of school. She has transformed the culture and climate at her current school, leading to significant improvements in results across the school. Results for Sixth Form students have been the highest achievements to date in Central Bedfordshire. Under Mrs Qureshi’s leadership, the school has risen in popularity, leading to a large increase in the student population and has strengthened connections between the community and the school there.
Mrs Qureshi is an experienced leader, who was part of a team who oversaw the start up of a new school in Luton. After that she joined Chiltern Academy, a successful, oversubscribed secondary school, with exceptional outcomes particularly for SEND and disadvantaged students. She led on curriculum, outcomes, behaviour, inclusion and undertook the SENDco role.
Francis Bray, Executive Principal at Longsands Academy said:
“I am delighted to welcome Mrs Qureshi to Longsands and look forward to working with her. We both share a commitment to giving our students the very best education and preparing them to go on to lead successful lives.”
Umara Qureshi, new Principal at Longsands Academy said:
“I am looking forward to leading Longsands Academy and to meet students, parents and the whole school community. I am passionate about closing the disadvantage gap in education by leading student and community focused schools.”
Mrs Qureshi is an expert in her subject, science, and has a strong passion for teaching science to young people. Mrs Qureshi is a member of the East100 cohort, a group of senior leaders committed to improving student outcomes and she has also completed a Masters in Leadership in Education.
