Imran Khan

Recognising the vital and substantial contribution our alumni make

Originally from London, Imran studied for his BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at Fusehill Street in Carlisle where he met his future wife Beth, on the same course. Securing an NQT position in Norfolk after graduation Imran was recognised early on for leadership potential. He quickly moved up the ranks to deputy head but had a shock cancer diagnosis followed by six months of chemotherapy the same year. After successful treatment in 2018, Imran realised his ambition and became Headteacher of Buxton Primary School in Norfolk.

From NQT to headteacher within seven years despite cancer battle

Imran was born in 1990 to parents, Zulfiqar and Fatima.  He grew up in London and attended Wanstead High School.  After spending 18 years in London, Imran decided that a change of pace and lifestyle would be ideal while studying for his degree so began studying at the University of Cumbria, Carlisle where he graduated in 2012 with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status.  During those years at the Fusehill Street campus he met fellow student, Beth as they both attended History specialism classes.  Their friendship developed and, upon graduation, they moved to Norfolk together to begin their NQT years. Imran began his career at Heartsease Primary Academy in Norwich. 

That same year, Imran was recognised within his school as a dedicated teacher with leadership potential.  Over the next two years he was given increasing levels of responsibility, including as the school’s Pupil Premium Champion, responsible for spending Pupil Premium funding in a way that would provide the most impact upon the children it was granted for, and undertook further study to attain the qualification as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator.

In 2015, Imran was appointed to the position of Assistant Head Teacher and given the task of implementing a new curriculum which would inspire children to engage in their learning in a way that would encourage them to master the content of each subject area.  Imran developed a programme – ‘Challenge Curriculum’ – and trained staff in its implementation.  Heartsease Primary Academy became the flagship school within an Academy Trust and, in 2016, was judged to be ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED. 

Imran’s career track was heading towards his first Head of School position when in late 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer, only two days before their wedding on 23 December.  There followed an intensive six-month period of chemotherapy and hospital visits, the focus was now on him fighting the illness and ultimate survival.  Beginning a phased return to work he went onto organise and run a summer school for the trust’s disadvantaged pupils whilst attending the hospital each morning for radiotherapy sessions. 

Returning to work full-time in the autumn term of 2017, Imran applied for and was offered his first Head Teacher position at Buxton Primary School in Norfolk taking up post in Easter 2018.  Leading a staff of 34, with almost 200 children in the school, he has been enjoying progressing the schools ‘outstanding’ OFSTED reputation through the provision of a stimulating curriculum that engages and excites its pupils.

With Imran’s growing experience of the education sector, he is a strong advocate for collaborative working and providing the best possible resources and different experiences for young people. He is a member of the Aylsham Community Trust which is a charity that has recently been set up to raise funding for schools within the ‘Aylsham’ cluster of schools Imran works in. One of the primary aims of this charity is to raise funding and awareness for children and young people’s mental health needs. Already in the short time the charity has been setup, it is in a position to provide funding to employ a full time social, emotional and mental health specialist to work across the cluster of schools.

Imran’s strong work ethic and passion for ensuring that every child is given the best chance of success may lead him to being part of the bigger picture in the sector and positively shaping more children’s futures on a larger scale.

On a personal level, despite Imran’s chemotherapy, he and Beth were able to welcome their son, Zac into the world on Valentine’s Day this 2019.  This is Zac’s first visit to Carlisle and Imran and Beth have been enjoying showing him where his parents met, made lifelong friends and started their careers.

Watch Imran talk about his journey here.