I’m currently the Principal at Co-op Academy Belle Vue, a secondary school in Manchester that opened in 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious and values-driven schools in the region. In our recent Ofsted inspection, we were rated Outstanding in several key areas, including Leadership and Management, and we’re proud to be setting new standards for excellence, inclusion, and aspiration in our community.

My journey into education was shaped significantly by my time as a student at Fred Longworth High School. It was there that I first felt the impact that great teaching and strong school values can have. The commitment, care, and high expectations shown by the staff not only inspired me to go into teaching but also helped me develop the sense of purpose and resilience that still guide me today.

At Belle Vue, I strive to carry forward those same values I experienced at Fred Longworth and a belief in every child’s potential, a culture of respect and responsibility, and a relentless focus on doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. These principles are now at the heart of everything we do as we support students to achieve extraordinary things, both academically and personally.