NewsletterTelephone: 07951 756299 www.lutongirlsacademy.com

On Monday, 13th October, Sofia Darr visited Lancaster House in London to represent Luton Girls’ Academy at a reception celebrating the success of free schools across the country. The free schools were joined by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron and Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Nicky Morgan. The event was organised by education charity New Schools Network.

Luton Girls’ Academy meet the Prime Minister - David Cameron

Inside this Issue:

• LutonGirl’sAcademymeetPrimeMinister&SecretaryofStateforEducation

• NewPrincipalappointed

• SiteUpdate

• OpenEvenings

• AdmissionDropIn

October Edition

Sofia Darr from Luton Girls’ Academy was one of over 200 schools represented at the event. The first free schools opened just over three years ago in September 2011, yet there are now 360 of these schools open or approved to open, together creating more than 200,000 new school places.

The Prime Minister, said:“The success of free schools has been remarkable. The creation of 251 new free schools in just four and a half years, with three-quarters of them being rated good or outstanding, is something to be incredibly proud of. Free schools bring innovation, create choice and competition, and raise standards and I whole-heartedly believe that they are driving an extraordinary and beneficial change in Britain. We want to go on investing and helping with the Free School success, to create the best education system in Western Europe

that enables young people to get on and make the most of their lives”.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “I am immensely proud of everything that has been achieved through the free schools programme in a relatively short space of time - because this programme is a vital part of our wider plan for improving education in Luton “Thanks to this plan more children in England have the opportunity to go to a good or outstanding school than ever before and free schools have been crucial to that change - with more than two-thirds of free schools meeting this high standard. “We are giving thousands more parents a choice of high-quality local schools that offer the excellent standard of education that all pupils deserve.”

Sofia shares our plans with Secretary of State for Education Rt Hon Nicky Morgan

Admission drop in at Chaul End Community Centre

Openevenings-2014

Siteupdate

We would like to thank all the parents / carers who attended our open evenings on Thursday 25th September and Wednesday 1st October. We shared our plans with over 200 parents on how we will be delivering an excellent education to girls in Luton.

The students took part in educational workshops which gave them a taste of our enrichment programme. A parent said “This is the kind of school I want for my daughter, your focus on academic progress and enrichment are fantastic”.

Our most frequently asked question is without a doubt “Where is the school going to be?” We have been working very closely with the Education Funding Agency on securing a site for the school. Anyone who has ever bought or sold a house will know this can be a lengthy process and for a school, this process is even longer.

We hope to share further details of the site in the coming weeks.Please visit our website for regular updates on the site.

In response to parent demand we have planned a further two admission drop in sessions. If you have not had the opportunity to speak to us in person we urge you to attend one of our admission drop in sessions at Chaul End Community Centre LU4 8QN

Wednesday 22nd October 5.00pm - 8.00pm or Thursday 23rd October 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Ms Saiqa Liaqat appointed as Principal of Luton Girls’ AcademyLuton Girls’ Academy is delighted to announce that they have appointed Saiqa Liaqat into the role of Principal, marking the latest milestone for improving girls’ education in Luton. Ms Liaqat will formally take up her position in January.

Ms Liaqat joins Luton Girls’ Academy from Highlands School in Enfield. Highlands is an OFSTED-rated ‘outstanding’ secondary school and a lead school in the Pan Enfield Teaching Alliance. She has over 17 years’ experience of working in education. She has been a senior leader for over 7 years in challenging schools across the UK, a school improvement consultant, SSAT lead practitioner and Adobe education leader.

The chairperson, Sofia Darr, said “We were extremely fortunate to be able to choose from a very strong field. Having put the candidates through their paces over the course of 2 days, we felt that Ms Liaqat’s strong vision and leadership, combined with her proven track record driving

outstanding practice in education will provide a strong foundation for learning at Luton Girls’ Academy She is an outstanding leader and teacher who is totally committed to achieving excellent outcomes for our young women in Luton. She is totally aligned to our vision and ethos and will be a real asset to the school.”

Ms Liaqat said “I am delighted to be appointed to this key role as Principal and am looking forward to working with the community in delivering an excellent education for young people in Luton. I am passionate about transforming the lives of young women and excited about leading a school which places students at the heart of everything it does. Luton Girls’ Academy will be a school which believes in high expectations and develops students as academic, characterful and entrepreneurial young women equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to succeed in life”

“It was amazing learning Judo from a member of the Great Britain Olympic squad”Year 6 student

“I have always been interested in forensics, it was fun learning about the science in forensics”Year 6 student