A BRADFORD school has appointed a new headteacher.

Caroline Foster takes up the position at Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, located on Squire Lane and part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) bringing nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher and school leader to the role.

Ms Foster most recently served as Acting Principal at Trinity Academy in Sowerby Bridge in Calderdale. 

She wants every pupil to thrive and will support them by further embedding the school’s improvement plans.

The new head added: “I am thrilled to join the Bradford Girls’ community and be part of a school with such a fantastic provision and a rich history.

"Everyone has already made me feel extremely welcome, including staff and leaders from the central Trust. 

“It’s clear to see that it’s the people who make the school so special.

"The staff, pupils and families all work incredibly hard to make it a positive teaching and learning environment where everyone is supported to thrive.

"I’m looking forward to now leading our mission toward excellence."

Meanwhile, Nigat Ali is joining the school as deputy headteacher.

Ms Ali attended Belle Vue Girls’ School and says she is passionate about supporting and improving education in Bradford, having previously worked in several local schools.

The two leaders join Bradford Girls' Grammar at a pivotal point in its history with it now de-amalgamated from its lower school, Lady Royd Primary.

During this transition, Chris Tolson will be extending his role as interim executive headteacher of Lady Royd for another year to ensure the new leaders are supported when beginning their new roles.

The two schools will remain on the same site and its two leadership teams will work in close collaboration to support learning across all ages, but they will now function as separate entities. 

Carol Dewhurst, chief executive officer of BDAT, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ms Foster and Ms Ali into the BDAT and Bradford Girls' family and are confident that their skills and expertise will be a positive driving force for improvement across the school.

"Their specialist knowledge and experience, as well as their commitment to education, will be invaluable and instrumental in ensuring all members of the school community continue to flourish.”