Fozia Nisar: Head of School
Fozia Nisar
PGCE General Primary, 2005
Based in: UK
First job:
Sales Assistant at Bay Trading Co.
Ambitions for the future:
Make a positive impact on even more children by working in regional and national roles. I am passionate about education and the difference it can make, and I want to use my experience to influence and support schools beyond my own.
Head of School at Montgomery Primary Academy
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
As Head of School at Montgomery Primary Academy, my role is to support and guide our pupils, staff, and community to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their best. Our school serves an area of high deprivation, and I am committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported in their learning journey.
What drew me to this role was my own personal experience. Growing up, my family faced many challenges, and I know first-hand how difficult it can be to overcome obstacles and biases. Education played a crucial role in shaping my future, and I want to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the same opportunities to succeed. I feel privileged to be in a position where I can make a difference, working alongside a dedicated team to inspire and uplift the next generation.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
My favourite part of my role is teaching. Even as Head of School, I make it a priority to be in the classroom, working directly with pupils. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the progress they make, the confidence they build, and the doors that open for them as a result of their learning.
Teaching allows me to stay connected to the heart of education – helping children overcome challenges, develop new skills, and believe in themselves. Seeing their growth, both academically and personally, reminds me every day why I chose this profession. It’s a privilege to play a small part in shaping their futures and giving them the opportunities they deserve.
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
Studying for my PGCE in Primary Education provided me with the essential foundations for my teaching career. The balance of academic study and practical, hands-on training equipped me with the skills needed to step into the classroom with confidence.
One of the key skills I developed was the ability to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or ability, has the opportunity to succeed. I also gained a strong understanding of classroom management, lesson planning, and effective assessment strategies, all of which have been invaluable throughout my career.
Beyond the technical aspects of teaching, my time at Warwick helped shape my resilience, reflective practice, and ability to build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues. These skills have supported me not only as a teacher but also as a leader, allowing me to guide and support others in their professional journeys.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?
When I chose to study at Warwick for my postgraduate degree, I had a clear career path in teaching in mind. I knew that I wanted to work in education, making a difference in the lives of young people. Warwick provided me with the strong foundations I needed to build and cement that career.
The combination of academic study and practical experience gave me the skills and confidence to step into the classroom and grow as a teacher. Looking back, my time at Warwick played a crucial role in shaping my journey in education and ultimately led me to my current role as Head of School.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
My top tips for Warwick graduates looking to work in education would be to fully embrace both the practical and academic opportunities available during their training. Use this time to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, as real classroom exposure is invaluable in developing confidence and skills.
Building strong relationships and connections early on is also key. Engage with mentors, colleagues, and school communities – these connections can offer support, guidance, and future opportunities.
Finally, make an impression in the schools where you train. Stand out through great teaching, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Many schools are always on the lookout for their next Early Career Teachers (ECTs), so showing passion, dedication, and adaptability can open doors to exciting opportunities.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me involves balancing many different responsibilities to ensure the school runs smoothly. From managing day-to-day staffing, safeguarding, and attendance to being actively involved in teaching, my role requires me to juggle multiple priorities.
A good part of my morning is spent teaching my Year-6 group, which is one of the highlights of my day. Beyond the classroom, I conduct learning walks to quality assure teaching and learning, ensuring high standards across the school. Meetings with various leaders and teachers are also a key part of my day, as collaboration is essential for driving the school forward.
Staying connected with my Senior Leadership Team is crucial, as it allows us to address challenges proactively and maintain a positive school environment. Engaging with parents is also a priority, and I make it a point to be at the school gates each morning to welcome pupils and their families, reinforcing our strong sense of community.
What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?
My greatest career challenge to date has been transitioning from a class teacher to a leadership role. While I was confident in my teaching, I quickly realised that great teaching and great leadership require different skills. The transition came with its challenges, and there were setbacks along the way.
However, I have learned a great deal on the job. Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive coaching and to work alongside excellent leaders who have guided and supported me in developing my leadership skills. Their mentorship has been invaluable, and I know that leadership is a continuous learning journey. I am still growing, and every day presents new opportunities to develop and improve.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?
The best piece of advice I’ve been given in relation to my career is to be open and flexible to learning. Education is a sector that is constantly evolving, with new research and evidence driving changes in practice. Being able to adapt and remain open to new ideas is crucial for growth and effectiveness in the field. This mindset has helped me embrace challenges and stay responsive to the needs of my pupils and colleagues, ensuring I continue to develop both personally and professionally.
What’s the strangest interview question you’ve ever been asked?
"If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?". At first, it seemed unrelated to the role, but it ended up being an interesting way to reflect on the skills I bring to the job. I answered that my superpower would be the ability to connect with and inspire people, as building strong relationships and motivating others is such a key part of my role as a leader in education. It was a reminder that sometimes, unconventional questions can offer a fresh perspective on what you bring to a position.
What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?
Build a professional network. Start forming connections early– attend education events, engage with mentors, and tap into alumni networks. Relationships with other educators, leaders, and professionals in the field can offer guidance, opportunities, and support as you progress.
Gain practical experience: look for internships, teaching assistant roles, or volunteer opportunities. Gaining hands-on experience in the classroom or school environment helps you apply your learning and solidifies your career goals in education.
Keep learning and stay updated: education is a constantly evolving field. Stay informed about new teaching methods, research, and best practices. Pursuing further qualifications, attending professional development workshops, and keeping up with education trends will help you remain adaptable and effective.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
Looking back, I wish I had known that it’s okay to acknowledge that I am still learning and that I may have minimal experience in some areas. Early in my career, I felt the need to have all the answers, but I’ve come to understand that growth comes from being open about areas for development.
I also wish I had recognised the importance of highlighting my strengths and interests. Every educator brings something unique to the table – being confident in what I can offer, while remaining willing to learn, has been key to my development. If I had known this earlier, I would have approached job applications and interviews with more confidence.