Having also worked with colleagues in the independent sector, my views on education have been gradually shaped by a range of collective experiences. I believe that providing exposure to opportunities that may spark curiosity and develop interests, having strong teachers and role models that can positively influence and guide young minds and a belief in the possibility of achievement through determination, hard work and perseverance are all key to a happy, fulfilling and successful education. As a proud aunt to my 13-year-old nephew, I have personal experience of the challenges and societal pressures that young people face today, as they navigate these often tricky life-shaping teenage years. Therefore, through providing a values-driven education, my hope is for all pupils at Meole Brace School to feel a sense of belonging and see our school as a community as well as a place of learning and personal growth. I want them to enjoy the experience of a rich and relevant education that moves with the times, both within and beyond the classroom, and I want them to leave us not only with good academic outcomes, but also a repertoire of strong soft skills, a strong moral compass, a sense of service to others and strength of character – currency that will equip them to embrace life’s opportunities and tackle life’s challenges with confidence and resolve in a country and world that is rapidly changing. 

As we embark upon this journey together, I am eager to engage with all stakeholders: pupils, staff, parent/carers, and the wider Meole Brace community and to hear your views about the things that are important to you, as we shape our long-term vision for the school together. To this end, I will be creating opportunities for you to come and meet and talk to me in the New Year. Eager to get started, I have already visited the school on several occasions getting to know my senior team, meeting staff members and learning the rhythm of the school from afar. I know we can all be a little apprehensive of change, so, I want to reassure you that upon my arrival, I hope to spend the first term, really ‘getting under the skin’ of the school and taking stock of what is working really well and thinking about the things that we can further build on to make this school even better. I feel fortunate to have been given a school where there are many strong structures and practices already in place and I will be carefully evaluating the position of the school, in light of current school improvement priorities, the changing educational landscape shaped by a new government and school inspection regime, an evolving local community demographic, before making any changes. I know change can be daunting, but one thing that remains constant is that children have only one chance at their schooling, and I hope to have your support in the coming months as I embark on this leadership journey and make Meole Brace my new home.

With every good wish during this festive season.

Miss S. Purewal