Welcome to Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust.
We are a family of primary and secondary academies, sixth forms and nurseries serving children, families and communities across the Black Country. Although each of our academies has its own character and responds to its own community, we are united by a shared belief: every individual matters.
Our ambition is to provide an exceptional education for every child. This means securing excellent academic outcomes while also developing the confidence, character, creativity and wider experiences young people need to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Through our Whole Education approach, we want every pupil to aim higher, see further and be concerned for others.
Shireland has always been prepared to think differently about education. We teach the national curriculum in the Shireland way – combining high expectations with connected learning, purposeful innovation and strong relationships. Our Excite, Explore, Excel Learning curriculum in primary academies and Literacy for Life curriculum at Key Stage 3 are distinctive examples of how we make learning engaging, coherent and meaningful.
Technology also forms an important part of our identity. We use it thoughtfully to strengthen teaching, encourage collaboration, provide timely feedback and prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. Innovation at Shireland is never pursued for its own sake; it must improve the quality of education and create better opportunities for pupils.
Our partnerships further enrich what our academies can offer. By working with organisations across music, the arts, technology, sport, science, healthcare, higher education and business, we broaden horizons and connect learning to the world beyond the classroom. These relationships provide experiences that inspire young people and help them imagine what their futures could hold.
We believe that academies are strongest when they combine local identity with collective strength. Our schools have the freedom to flourish, but no school stands alone. Leaders are trusted to lead, teachers are empowered to teach, and expertise is shared across the Trust so that colleagues and academies can learn from one another.
Our values guide this work. We are committed to:
- Leading Learning and Aim Higher – creating cultures of learning, challenge and ambition;
- Changing Attitudes and See Further – believing in every child and expanding their horizons; and
- Promoting Cohesion and Be Concerned for All – building inclusive communities based on belonging, responsibility and respect.
My own connection with Shireland began in 2006, at the start of my journey within the academy sector. I am proud to lead a Trust with such strong roots in the Black Country and such an enduring commitment to improving children’s lives.
As Chief Executive Officer, my responsibility is to ensure that our shared values are visible in the everyday experience of our pupils, families and colleagues. We will continue to combine ambition with care, innovation with evidence and the individuality of our academies with the power of collaboration.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust. I hope our website gives you a sense of the people, values and educational experiences that make our Trust distinctive.
Qamar Riaz
Chief Executive Officer
Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust
