A Principal at one of East London’s highest performing sixth forms has been shortlisted for a prestigious leadership award.

Mouhssin Ismail, principal at Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (NCS), which joined City of London Academies Trust (CoLAT) in January 2018, was shortlisted in the Tes FE Awards 2019 ‘FE leader of the year’ category.

Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre has also been shortlisted in the sixth-form college of the year.

Mr Ismail, 39, grew up in Forest Gate, Newham, the second most deprived Borough in London. He first established NCS in 2014 with the aim of providing outstanding education for local students, encouraging as many to attend prestigious universities in the UK and abroad.

He changed his career as a leading City lawyer to become a teacher because he felt he wanted to give something back to the community in which he grew up.

Speaking about the award, Mr Ismail said:

“I’m deeply honoured that both myself and Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre have been shortlisted.

“I have always wanted to give something back to the community that I grew up in, and encourage the younger generation to take advantage of the exceptional educational opportunities available to them.

“With the right attitude and guidance I believe our students can achieve great things.

“We have witnessed double digit Oxbridge offers, 95% Russell Group offers and the first student from Newham to secure a place at MIT, the best university in the world for engineering and mathematics.

“At NCS we want our students to be well-rounded citizens who have high expectations of themselves and those around them.

“We want them to grow up to become leaders in their chosen fields and, ultimately be able to give something back to future generations.

“It is thanks to the governors, students, staff and parents who make NCS what it is – a safe, inspirational learning environment.”

NCS, in East Ham, is part of the CoLAT, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sole sponsored academies.

Andrew McMurtrie, Chair of the City of London Academies Trust, said:

“Having good leadership is essential and Mouhssin has been exemplary in leading students and staff at NCS into achieving the very best.

“Students at NCS have had outstanding sets of A-Level results with 95 per cent securing places at Russel Group Universities. 

“The nomination is much deserved and I wish him the very best of luck.” 

The Tes Fe awards celebrate and reward the dedication and expertise of the people and teams who continue to make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners.

Winners will be announced on Friday 22 March 2019.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. In 2017, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

Notes to Editors

The City of London Corporation has a unique family of schools comprising one maintained primary school, 10 sponsored or co-sponsored academies in London boroughs, and three independent schools of which two are located within the Square Mile.

The City of London Corporation sponsors, co-sponsors or governs the following schools:

Co-sponsored academies

O City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City University)

O The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academies Trust:

O City of London Academy (Southwark)

O Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

O Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

O City of London Primary Academy Islington

O City of London Academy Highgate Hill

O City of London Academy Highbury Grove

O City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

O Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

O Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School

Independent:

O City of London School

O City of London School for Girls

O City of London Freemen’s School

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk