Meet the Teams

I am excited to introduce myself as the new Headteacher of King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy. It is both an honour and a source of great pride to assume this role at a school that means so much to me. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as Deputy Headteacher at this academy, collaborating with a dedicated team of staff who prioritise the well-being and growth of every student.

During my time here, I have been continuously inspired by our staff’s dedication to delivering the highest quality education. We believe that academic achievement equips our students to succeed on the global stage, helping them pursue their ambitions beyond our walls. However, we also understand that true success encompasses more than just academic results. Our comprehensive pastoral care program offers support, comfort, and guidance, fostering a nurturing environment where each student can flourish.

As a British-born Indian Sikh woman, I take pride in working in Birmingham, a city celebrated for its vibrancy and rich cultural diversity. This community embraces a variety of cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and I am delighted to lead a school that embodies this spirit. Being a mother to two children has deepened my passion for education and strengthened my commitment to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. I recognise the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and can reach their full potential.

Our academy staff are dedicated, compassionate, and always willing to go above and beyond to meet our students’ needs. Together, we are committed to shaping young women who are resilient, empathetic, articulate, and confident individuals equipped with the skills, character, and self-assurance to make a meaningful impact in the world.

I am also excited to be working with the King Edward’s Trust and our governors, who are deeply invested in making Birmingham a leading city for education. Their dedication aligns seamlessly with our shared mission to provide each student with the opportunities and support necessary for their growth and success.

Serving as Headteacher of this academy is a role I am incredibly proud to take on, especially at a school so rich in experience, culture, and strength. One of our students aptly described us as “an eagle, soaring high and reaching our aspirations”. As we embark on a new chapter with our upcoming building and fresh initiatives, I hope you will join me in embracing this renewed energy as we continue our journey toward excellence.

I would also like to introduce my Senior Leadership Team, who have shared their experiences and roles within the academy. They are committed to supporting our students, staff, families, and the wider community. Should you have any concerns or celebrations to share, their contact details are provided below.

I strongly believe that all students can reach their full potential with the right curriculum and support network. Having been a senior leader at the academy for ten years, I have seen the confidence, and the voice of our young women grow year on year, which places them in a great position to be the leaders of tomorrow.

I have the responsibility for the quality of education and lead on our HPL (high performance learning) drive to ensure more students reach the top. Our curriculum offers the very best learning experiences in a wide range of subjects which we implement carefully in each of our lessons. We support our staff to deliver on our mission to unlock potential and overcome barriers and believe that with practise, perseverance, and self-belief our students will be school-ready, work-ready and life-ready.

I’m Ms Dennis and as well as being the Designated Safeguarding Lead, I also have responsibility for promoting the positive welfare and wellbeing of our students and our school community. I feel so privileged every day to be able to support our students, staff and families to prioritise wellbeing with the overall aim of creating a happy and cohesive school community.

I have been working at KEVI HWGA since January 2020 and have had the privilege of working in a dynamic role that has given me an insight into all aspects of our academy. I am proud of working in such a diverse and aspirational environment, to serve amazing students, and along with dedicated colleagues, helping to prepare them to realise their full potential.

I am most passionate about every student achieving the best possible outcomes for themselves and my role is to ensure that we all work together to support them with this, through evidence-led approaches to learning and consolidation, backed by cognitive science

I began working here at HWGA in June, as an Assistant Headteacher, after 14 years’ experience of senior leadership in schools in Solihull and Warwickshire. I have felt so welcomed by the community, and it has been a privilege to serve children and their families so far.

My role in school is linked to the quality of education, and I have just completed a Masters degree through the University of Birmingham in Educational Leadership. As you know, we at HWGA are highly focused on helping our girls to be rounded individuals, and to get great academic results. That happens through strong classroom practises, and I work closely with all teaching staff to help further develop their expertise. We are determined to help our girls achieve strong subject knowledge and to develop their cognitive abilities, so that they become the best learners they can be. My role is to work with other senior leadership colleagues to enable teaching staff to achieve this with the girls. I am looking forward to continuing to work with you and your child(ren).

I am proud to work at HWGA alongside dedicated staff who all believe that every student holds unique potential. I am passionate about fostering both academic achievements and personal excellence whilst developing the core values, attitudes and attributes that supports students to become the best versions of themselves.

My role is centred around creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive school environment where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. This involves establishing clear expectations for conduct, promoting positive relationships, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Our personal development programs are designed to equip every student with the skills and confidence needed to face challenges, embrace new opportunities, and to make a positive impact in society. We aim for our students to become responsible, resilient, and compassionate individuals who are ready to succeed within the Academy and beyond.

As Associate Assistant Headteacher for Sixth Form, I have the privilege of leading a vibrant and ambitious community of young people in Years 12 and 13. My role centres on both the academic and pastoral development of our students, ensuring they are nurtured, challenged, and empowered to thrive. I oversee the sixth form curriculum and support student progress, while working closely with staff, students, and families to maintain a culture of high expectations and genuine care.

Our sixth formers are extraordinary – full of potential, resilience, and aspiration. It is a joy to champion their journeys, whether that means guiding them through university applications, preparing them for the world of work, or simply being a constant source of encouragement. Through the lens of the HPL philosophy, we equip our students not only to succeed academically but to grow into confident, compassionate individuals who are school-ready, work-ready, and life-ready.

Every day is about helping our students take one more step toward a future they are proud of – and there is no greater privilege than being part of that.

Since 2005, I have dedicated myself to teaching and have accumulated extensive experience in KS4 and KS5 education. I have held roles as Head of Department and taken on whole-school responsibilities in various schools. Currently, I am the Director of IT, Co-Head of 6th Form, and HWGA’s BTEC Quality Nominee.

I support the 6th Form Team with KS5 progress and intervention. We encourage students to actively engage in their learning, work diligently, participate in extracurricular activities, and manage their time effectively.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that each student reaches their full academic potential and is well-prepared for their future pathways. Drawing from my extensive teaching experience, particularly in Key Stage 5, I am passionate about supporting our 6th Form students to achieve their goals and succeed in their future endeavours. Our goal is not only academic success but also the holistic development of each student, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel beyond their time with us.

I began my journey at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy in 2011, where I have worked as Head of Year and Head of Department. Currently, I am proud to hold the position of Director of Digital Pedagogy.

As an avid gamer, I have always felt at ease with gadgets, electronic devices, and the online world. With the increasing integration of technology in our academy, it was inevitable that I would develop a passion for educational technology.

As director of digital pedagogy, I drive the integration of digital tools across all subjects, fostering a culture of innovation in and beyond classrooms. I support staff development by ensuring teachers are confident in using technology to enhance student outcomes. I also ensure that our digital climate supports a positive and inclusive learning environment, advocating for digital safety, security, and responsible usage within and outside the academy.

As Head of Sixth Form at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy since September 2021, I am responsible for overseeing the academic progress and personal development of our students in Years 12 and 13. My role involves coordinating the curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and providing tailored guidance to students as they prepare for university, apprenticeships, or employment. I work closely with both staff and students to track academic performance, offering interventions and support where necessary. Additionally, I provide pastoral care, helping students navigate the challenges of sixth form life, including time management, mental health, and well-being, ensuring that every student feels supported both academically and personally as they prepare for their futures. Having previously been part of the school community as a student myself, I am honoured to now serve the Handsworth community and continue the legacy of excellence at the academy.

I joined the Academy in April 2022 as the Director of Raising Standards Disadvantaged (Academic). In this role, I have the privilege of working with our under-resourced students and their families, striving to level the playing field and uplift our local community through comprehensive school strategies, extra-curricular activities, and collaboration with external agencies.

My passion for this role stems from my own experiences growing up in a disadvantaged background. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp how these disadvantages could create barriers in my life, but I certainly felt them as a young woman of colour navigating the world. These personal experiences have fuelled my commitment to equipping our students with the tools they need to overcome the challenges they may face.

In addition to my leadership role, I am a Mathematics teacher who enjoys tackling A Level papers in my spare time. As a new mother, I now have a deeper understanding of the parents of our students at HWGA.

What I cherish most about HWGA is witnessing our students express their passions, whether through Culture Day, the Talent Show, or various fundraising events. I am proud to be a part of the HWGA community.

I joined the school in September 2023, and have been Director of English in April 2024. Having been educated and previously taught within the foundation, I have a deep understanding and passion for our school’s ethos and values.

I am particularly passionate about literature and theatre, and I strive to instil this enthusiasm in my students. My literary interests span gothic literature, Shakespeare, and modern and contemporary literature and culture. My curriculum goals focus on developing students’ academic writing skills, increasing their confidence and oracy, and nurturing success at both GCSE and A Level.

What I enjoy most about the school is the supportive and vibrant community. The dedication of both staff and students to continuous improvement and excellence makes it a truly inspiring place to work. In my role, I relish the opportunity to guide and mentor students, helping them to discover their own love for literature and achieve their full potential.

I have been the Director of Science at HWGA since 2022, bringing with me extensive experience from a variety of school settings. Over my long teaching career, I have held numerous roles, each contributing to my commitment to delivering high-quality science education. At HWGA, my primary responsibility is to ensure that science teaching is of the highest standard, fostering a stimulating and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and develop a lifelong appreciation for science.

Science has always been my passion, with a particular love for both physics and biology. I am captivated by how physics explains the laws governing the universe and how biology uncovers the intricate mechanisms of life. From exploring forces and energy to understanding the complexities of ecosystems and the human body, I strive to share my enthusiasm for these subjects with students, making learning both engaging and meaningful.

In my role, I am dedicated to supporting both staff and students, ensuring that our curriculum not only prepares students for exams but also equips them with practical skills and scientific literacy to succeed in their future endeavours. Through hands-on experiments, innovative teaching strategies, and a focus on critical thinking, our department works tirelessly to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and informed global citizens.

I am proud to be part of a team that values the curiosity and potential of every student, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact at HWGA.

I joined HWGA in September 2014 and really enjoy being a part of the Academy. Having overseen the coordination of KS3 within English, I have also held the roles of Head of Literacy, Acting Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and currently Lead Practitioner. It is through these positions that I have deepened my knowledge and experience in many aspects of school life, both pastorally and academically.

In my role as Lead Practitioner, I model excellent practice, sharing skills and experience with other teachers. I work closely alongside the Director of English, making sure the KS3 curriculum develops students’ reading, writing, and oracy skills, exposing them to a variety of texts and igniting a love of literature.

I am a passionate English teacher working across all key stages in both literature and language, hoping to promote the same enjoyment that I have for the subject in my students. I understand the importance of equipping our girls for the future, ensuring they excel through their educational journey and are ready to enter the world of work.

I joined HWGA in 2019 and currently serve as a lead practitioner in mathematics. Passionate about the subject, I am dedicated to exploring innovative methods for enhancing mathematical skills. I strongly believe that using representations is key to unlocking a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. I want students to not only understand the maths but enjoy and succeed in it, too.

I’m so glad to be working at HWGA. This is my first academy in the UK. Previously, I worked as a teacher in Hong Kong for a long time. I am deeply interested in Mathematics, Physics, Classical Music, and AI, as all these subjects are closely related to Mathematics. I specialise in teaching A-level Mathematics and hope my students enjoy learning, embrace challenging problems, and achieve excellent marks in their public exams. I also believe that AI can be a powerful tool to foster learning by personalising educational experiences, providing instant feedback, and creating engaging, interactive resources to help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

As the Pastoral Care Manager at HWGA, I am privileged to lead a highly dedicated and passionate team of pastoral staff. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a role where I can support and inspire the young women of today as they navigate their journey through secondary school. With consistency, dedication, and passion, I believe that every student at HWGA can achieve their full potential.

Our pastoral care system is centred around the students, ensuring a fair, nurturing environment for all. Since stepping into this role in September 2021, I have witnessed remarkable growth and confidence in our students, which continues to inspire me daily. It is a joy to see them flourish, develop into their own unique selves, and grow both academically and personally. I remain excited and passionate about supporting their development and helping them thrive.

I am the senior pastoral manager of a well-established pastoral team at KEVI HWGA, working together to ensure we are providing high quality support to every year group. My role encompasses the following: I support the students overall however with a focus on the students in Year 11. I ensure that their wellbeing is a priority and that any issues they may have, I can support them through discussions, referrals for Mentoring and mediations.

I am dedicated to my role as it enables me to encourage and support students overcome challenges and barriers to ensure they perform to their full potential. I have a passion for pastoral care and my door is always open for all students of all year groups to discuss concerns or just for a chat. I look forward to continuing working together with our fantastic students this academic year.

I have been working at Handsworth Wood Girls Academy since January 2021 and it has been a pleasure to be here, to support young women through a rigorous, thoughtful, compassionate and consistent pastoral team that really values your child, their happiness and wellbeing.

My role is to support the children with Mentoring and workshop opportunities to enhance their development and wellbeing and managing the Inclusion process at the school to ensure the behaviour is not repeated and the students who experience the Reflection Room, have had the rehabilitative and intensive work to support their transition back to the classroom. I am also the lead for Off-site Direction and AP, and I support the students who need this service, to overcome their current barriers to learning with placements to other educational providers.

I have worked at HWGA as the Safeguarding Manager and Senior Mental Health Lead since 2021. I am committed to helping the school ensure all students, parents/carers and staff are safeguarded and receive the necessary support for their mental health.

I ensure our students are receiving the most appropriate care and interventions to ensure they are not only reaching their full potential academically but also emotionally and socially.

I am the pastoral manager for year 7 and have worked at KEVI Handsworth Wood Girl Academy since January 2020 supporting pupils in all year groups. I am dedicated and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people. I believe everyone can fulfil their potential to the best of their ability as long as they have the passion, focus and drive. I work alongside such an amazing team which will support our students to fulfil their potential. I would like our students to be successful in their coming future and ensure they leave us with confidence, independence and a voice which speaks their mind.

I am the Pastoral Manager for Year 8 students. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing students’ well-being, punctuality, attendance, and academic progress, ensuring they receive the guidance and support necessary to excel both personally and academically. The school’s ethos of promoting educational excellence, embracing challenges, and fostering a community grounded in scholarship, character, and civic responsibility aligns closely with my own values. I am dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential while supporting the school’s vision and mission to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing environment.

I have recently joined the academy and look forward to working with the students and their families to ensure best outcomes are achieved. One of my key principles are for students to feel safe, heard and happy, which aligns with my role as a pastoral manager. I will be closely working with year 9 and I am eager for my journey to begin at HWGA.

As the Pastoral Manager for Year 10, I am excited to be part of the HWGA community and to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff in supporting the well-being and growth of our students. I bring with me a wealth of experience in pastoral care, having worked in a variety of educational settings where I’ve always felt it’s essential that students feel seen, heard and valued.

In my role, I will be working closely with Year 10 students to help them navigate what can be a challenging but exciting time in their school journey. I believe strongly in building positive relationships with students, where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. It’s important to me that every student feels supported, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential. Together with our wider pastoral team, we’ll be here to provide guidance, offer a listening ear, and help students manage any challenges they may face, so they can focus on their growth and success.

I have recently joined HWGA as a First Aid Medical Lead. I look after all medical health and wellbeing needs, I am here to support all students, staff and families to work together to maintain a comfortable environment around the Academy. I have a pharmaceutical background and have previously worked as a dispenser.

I will ensure our students are receiving the most appropriate care and feel physically well and happy in themselves.

I am the learning mentor at Handsworth Wood Girls Academy.  I have recently joined and I am looking forward to working with the Pastoral team to make a difference to the students in the school.  I have a background in education having worked in inclusion, teaching and SEND in other schools.

As a learning mentor I will be working with students to help and support them on both a personal and academic level.  I am aiming to build their confidence, resolve issues and help them become effective learners.  My approach is to listen and to learn about my students, engendering trust and building an environment where I can address any underlying problems and allow them to fulfil their academic potential.

I am here to help you make the most of your school experience, please do not hesitate to reach out to if you need someone to talk to or need advice. Looking forward to meeting you all!

I have served the KEVI HWGA school community for the past five years in the role of Attendance Officer, taking us through the covid years, where we had over 98% online engagement from our students; to now navigating and promoting school attendance post-covid. Passionate about the critical link between attendance and academic success, my personal mantra is “if you’re not here, you’re not learning.” I am dedicated to fostering a culture of commitment to education, by working closely with students and parents to encourage regular attendance and helping them to understand the long-term benefits of being in school. I am looking forward to our school becoming a beacon in the community for the academic success of the students. However, that can only happen if they attend!

As Head of Sixth Form at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy since September 2021, I am responsible for overseeing the academic progress and personal development of our students in Years 12 and 13. My role involves coordinating the curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and providing tailored guidance to students as they prepare for university, apprenticeships, or employment. I work closely with both staff and students to track academic performance, offering interventions and support where necessary. Additionally, I provide pastoral care, helping students navigate the challenges of sixth form life, including time management, mental health, and well-being, ensuring that every student feels supported both academically and personally as they prepare for their futures. Having previously been part of the school community as a student myself, I am honoured to now serve the Handsworth community and continue the legacy of excellence at the academy.

Since 2005, I have dedicated myself to teaching and have accumulated extensive experience in KS4 and KS5 education. I have held roles as Head of Department and taken on whole-school responsibilities in various schools. Currently, I am the Director of IT, Co-Head of 6th Form, and HWGA’s BTEC Quality Nominee.

I support the 6th Form Team with KS5 progress and intervention. We encourage students to actively engage in their learning, work diligently, participate in extracurricular activities, and manage their time effectively.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that each student reaches their full academic potential and is well-prepared for their future pathways. Drawing from my extensive teaching experience, particularly in Key Stage 5, I am passionate about supporting our 6th Form students to achieve their goals and succeed in their future endeavours. Our goal is not only academic success but also the holistic development of each student, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel beyond their time with us.

As the Sixth Form Administrator, I provide administrative support for the day-to-day operation of the Sixth Form Centre, including managing daily attendance of KS5 students and providing a welcoming and supportive service for students and their families alike. I am committed to providing a high-quality service which contributes to enabling students thrive and development in Sixth Form and beyond.

Deputy SENCO: Ms S Ali – sali@hwga.org.uk

You can also contact our Deputy SENCO for any EAL queries.

As Deputy SENCO at HWGA since November 2023, I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the SEND department. I enjoy the variety of this role as no two days are the same. One of the most rewarding elements of my job is making a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs and helping them to overcome barriers. I am privileged to have the opportunity to work closely with a host of different people, including teachers, parents, external agencies and students themselves. As an advocate for vulnerable students, I help to ensure they receive the appropriate resources, support and respect which they deserve.

I joined HWGA School in 2024 as a graduate teaching assistant, and from the moment I stepped into this role, I’ve been driven by a deep passion for helping students thrive. As a Graduate TA , my mission goes beyond simply supporting classroom instruction; I’m here to make a real impact in each student’s academic journey. I believe that learning is a dynamic process, and my goal is to create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to push themselves beyond their limits. Whether it’s helping them break down complex concepts or providing that extra bit of encouragement when they’re feeling uncertain, I’m dedicated to guiding them towards their full potential.

Every day, I’m reminded of the incredible power education holds to change lives. Watching students gain confidence in their abilities, grow in their knowledge, and celebrate those “lightbulb” moments is what makes this role so fulfilling. I’m excited to continue supporting students, helping them navigate challenges, and celebrating their successes every step of the way.