He was born and grew up in East London and he knows the importance of a good education only too well; following his school and university studies, he became a successful lawyer. Mr. Ismail then decided that he wanted to help other local young people enjoy the same benefits that academic success can bring and became a teacher at Seven Kings High School. He quickly proved himself an outstanding Economics teacher and gained rapid promotion to the post of Director of Sixth Form at Seven Kings.
Mr. Ismail is also a very talented cricketer (he has played for Essex!) but now he has set his sights on making the NCS one of the country’s leading A Level centres. He brings all his experience and success of leading a Sixth Form to the NCS and is a man with a mission. Here he gives us an insight into his plans.
Why have you joined The NCS as Principal?
“I believe in the transformational nature of education and I want to give the most able students of Newham the very best chance of going to the most competitive universities in the country and abroad. The NCS embodies everything I believe education should be about and with its state of the art facilities, cutting edge technology and world class learning and teaching you have a recipe for excellence and success at all levels.”
What is your vision for The NCS?
“My vision for The NCS is to make sure that the young men and women that leave us have the skills and habits of mind to be able to become future leaders in their chosen profession and in society at large. They will be confident visionaries who seek out opportunities and find new ways of thinking.”
What is your biggest challenge?
“My biggest challenge is convincing young people and parents about the potential of the NCS in the short period of time I have until we open. However, in my recent contact with students from partner schools and beyond I am beginning to see views change. It is true that whilst the NCS itself as a Sixth Form does not yet have published results, the world class teachers joining the NCS come with an outstanding record of delivering some of the best A Level results in the country.
The quality of education depends on the collective skills and effort of the teachers, and I am putting together a formidable team. My question to all students and parents is come along to our events and hear what we have to offer and then make decision. The question is not why should I come to the NCS, but rather can you really afford not?”
Why should ambitious students join The NCS?
“World class teaching, outstanding teacher results, state of the art facilities, an unparalleled extra/super curricular programme, links with the best universities and most prestigious companies in the UK, other highly ambitious and talented students and a contact list that is unrivalled. Why wouldn’t you come?”
What is the key to creating an outstanding Sixth Form?
“The key to creating an outstanding sixth form is having dynamic and inspiring teachers who go the extra mile to give their students the very best experience. You have to give students the confidence to believe that they can achieve their ambitions and dreams and any obstacles they may face can be overcome with support. A Sixth Form should inculcate a love of learning and celebrate scholarship and high academic achievement. If you can get these key ingredients right then the rest will all fall in to place.
It is a big decision for students to make, but I am completely confident that the NCS is going to become an outstanding Sixth Form and a leading centre for A Level excellence and success. I hope you share my ambition and I look forward to meeting you soon.”