Leadership Team & Key Contacts

We have a dedicated team of talented and inspirational staff who are committed to delivering the highest standards for each and every child at the academy.

The school is led by Rehana Shafquat, who is supported by a dynamic team of senior leaders and staff. We strongly believe that outstanding staff are essential to delivering an outstanding education. We put maximum effort into recruiting the very best people to offer an outstanding education in an inspiring setting. We then invest heavily in their continuing professional training and development.

Rehana Shafquat (Principal)

Rehana is an experienced educational leader having worked for over 20 years in the Bradford education sector.  She has held school leader positions for most of her career, culminating in Head of School roles at Feversham Academy and Queensbury Academy. Rehana is dedicated to using her skills to create a highly aspirational and nurturing environment for all at her school.  Her degree in Chemistry and science background provide the perfect platform to drive the academy’s STEM specialism.

Lyndsay Hall (Vice Principal)

Miss Hall is an excellent ambassador for outstanding teaching and learning. She has over 15 years of teaching and leadership experience having held positions such as AST, lead practitioner and most recently Assistant Principal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Lancaster University and has completed the NPQSL. Miss Hall is committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning in our community by delivering high quality professional development for staff. Miss Hall is a firm believer in empowering young people to have the highest aspirations for their future and achievement.

Stephanie Robertshaw (Assistant Principal)

Mrs Robertshaw has been teaching for over 15 years and has undertaken various leadership positions throughout her career. These include Head of Department, Team Leader for a major exam board and Achievement Manager at Feversham Academy. She has led pastoral teams and managed  transitions from KS2-3 and KS3-4  providing high quality support for pupils at key stages of their life.  Mrs. Robertshaw is dedicated to all areas of school life, including pupils’ wider development and taking on the role of staff governor. She has successfully completed her NPQSL and the SENCo National Award.

Sammina Riaz (Assistant Principal)

Mrs Riaz has experience of Teaching Mathematics for over 26 years and has been in various leadership positions in numerous schools. She is passionate about inspiring and enabling all students to achieve their maximum potential. She holds a Masters in Teaching and Learning, and has completed her NPQSL Qualification.

Nusrat Sadiq (Director of Learning: Communications)

Mrs Sadiq began her journey as a teacher in the 1990s and holds graduate qualifications in Education and Middle Eastern Political and Contemporary History.  She has successfully led English departments in local secondary schools. Nusrat is a passionate and outgoing practitioner of her subjects, aiming to assist learners to achieve their best with positivity and passion.

Theresa Rose (Director of Learning: Science and Sport)

Mrs. Rose has worked in schools for nearly 20 years, many in good and outstanding schools, after a career in the chemical industry. She has a strong track record in achieving great results for pupils throughout secondary education. Theresa is keen to encourage all around her to achieve their best results and promote excellence in STEM subjects.

Sarah Akhtar (Director of Learning: Access and Inclusion)

Mrs Akhtar is an experienced teacher of English and Humanities and more recently a SENDCo. She holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Human studies with Psychology as well as the SENCo National Award. Mrs Akhtar is passionate about improving the life chances of young people and is dedicated to ensuring that students fully access and benefit from a learning environment which nurtures and develops them holistically. She works with the pastoral team and curriculum leaders to monitor behaviour for learning and access to the curriculum for all learners, aiming to remove barriers to learning and encourage enjoyment in learning, so the students of BGA can be the absolute best versions of themselves regardless of background, ethnicity, special Educational Needs or social challenges.

Mrs Akhtar is working towards a masters in SEN and is currently qualifying to become an accredited Access Arrangements Assessor, as well as the Senior Mental Health Lead for Bronte Girls’ Academy in order to maximise inclusivity and drive impact, engagement and the wellbeing of all.

David Gardner (Director of Learning)

Mr Gardner is a graduate of the Northumbria University School of Design. He is an experienced teacher of Art and Design, Design Technology and Engineering across Key Stage 3-5. He believes passionately in the power of a creative, technical and vocational education in developing the skills and life chances of young people in our community. He has completed the NPQSL qualification and holds a Masters Degree in School Leadership and Management alongside a Level 7 Senior leader Apprenticeship. He has worked in a range of leadership roles in both curriculum and pastoral areas of school, including as Curriculum Leader and Head of sixth form.

Tamera Akhtar (Director of Learning)

Mrs Akhtar has been teaching in outstanding schools over the last 17 years, supporting various Mathematics departments to achieve outstanding results.  She holds a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and Management from the University of Leeds and has successfully completed the NPQML course in Middle management.  Mrs Akhtar volunteers her time in the local community to run Maths booster sessions during GCSE exam period which also raises funds to channel back into the community. She is known for being firm but fair and for enthusing passion in her students to succeed in Mathematics.  She firmly believes that all students should be able to make progress in Mathematics and experience enjoyment and success regardless of prior attainment.

Simon Murtagh (Director of Learning)

Mr Murtagh has taught in multiple schools across the north-west and north-east, often specialising in leadership roles. He's previously worked as a humanities subject lead then transitioned into a school lead for a private SEMH school before transferring to Bronte Girls' Academy as a Director of Learning. Mr Murtagh works closely with staff to ensure that behaviour and attendance is held to a high standard, whilst also keeping a child centred approach to support SEMH. Mr Murtagh is currently a deputy DSL.