Inside Equal Education Academy: How Balwant Is Shaping What Comes Next

With over three decades of experience in education, Balwant has seen firsthand the impact that the right environment can have on a young person. From classroom teacher to Executive Headteacher, his journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed.

Now, as he leads the development of Equal Education Academy, he is putting that experience into practice fostering a safe, structured, and personalised environment to rebuild confidence, re-engage learners, and ensure lasting success.

Balwant’s journey in education began in 1991, where his early career saw him advance to become an Advanced Skills Teacher and Head of Year. In 2002, he transitioned to a Local Authority role as a Teaching and Learning Consultant, focusing on the National Strategies in Nottinghamshire. This position was instrumental in broadening his pedagogical expertise through collaboration with colleagues across the county. His career then took him back to Coventry, where he served first as Assistant Head Teacher and then as Deputy Head Teacher (Assessment and Curriculum) at Westwood Academy. In these roles, he significantly furthered his leadership expertise by overseeing teaching and learning, and curriculum design.

Reflecting on what has guided him throughout his journey, he points to the example set by his parents:

“My father was a teacher in Punjab, India, and came to the UK with just £4 in his pocket to give his family a better life. My mother left her support structure and raised four children in a country she did not understand. They are my inspiration and gave me all the values to be a successful and compassionate person.”

Drawing on his previous experience as a Virtual School Headteacher in 2014, and later as Executive Headteacher overseeing both the Virtual School and the national award winning Sandwell Transition Education Partnership Service (STEPS) in 2016, he brings a deep understanding of supporting children in care, leading educational teams, and developing programmes that help learners thrive.

Beyond the Classroom

As a school leader, how do you see the role of education in shaping young people beyond the classroom?

I believe schools are about more than what happens in the classroom. They provide sanctuary, safety, an opportunity to grow, connect, develop skills for life and anchor growth. As leaders, it’s our duty to make sure learning happens at every opportunity and that learning shapes young people to dream and become the best versions of themselves. Every interaction is an opportunity.

This belief has shaped my leadership in practice, and guided me when I led a Birmingham Secondary School to achieve an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating, be recognised as one of the top 100 ‘most improved’ schools in the UK in 2013, and secure the highest 5+ EM GCSE results in the school’s history. I now look forward to bringing that same passion and energy to Equal Education Academy, where our focus is on transforming lives and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Transforming Learning Outcomes

Looking back on your journey, what achievements are you most proud of when it comes to improving outcomes for learners with complex needs?

I was born and grew up in Hillfields, Coventry, one of the most economically diverse and deprived places in the UK. However, through education I was able to reach success in my profession. With this upbringing, I have always felt that I have a duty to inspire children who have experienced adversity or challenges in their lives. This has shaped me as a person and my life philosophy.

Looking back across my journey, one of the achievements I am most proud of is serving as a role model and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic leader; demonstrating that leadership in education should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. I have always tried to look beyond adversity and labels to see the individual young person, recognising their strengths, potential, and personal circumstances.

Why Equal Education Academy?

I am here because I am passionate about the potential of every child. As Executive Headteacher of EEA, my role is to provide strategic leadership and ensure the academy delivers comprehensive education and personal development opportunities for learners who find the mainstream education environment challenging.

A key priority for us is establishing a reliable online teaching service, underpinned by clear safeguarding measures, high-quality teaching and assessment, and secure digital platforms. The aim is to create a safe, structured, and effective online learning environment that gives students, parents, and partners confidence in our school.

Why is Building This Academy So Important?

It is absolutely clear to me that the current school system cannot meet the needs of every child. I want to set up an academy that supports learners because many students need a different approach to learning in order to succeed.

Some learners benefit from smaller, more flexible environments where teaching can be more personalised and supportive. The academy aims to provide a positive learning experience, rebuild confidence in education, and help learners re-engage with their studies so they can progress academically and develop important life skills.

What Does The Academy Hope To Achieve?

At EEA our three pillars—Belong, Empower and Aspire—underpin our approach and ensure that the needs, wellbeing, and potential of every learner remain at the centre of what we do.

The legacy I hope the academy will create is one where learners and their families feel supported, valued, and hopeful about the future. I want the academy to be a place where young people who may have struggled in education are given the opportunity to rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and achieve success in a no-blame culture.

Above all, I want families and carers to feel that their children are understood, supported, and given the best possible chance to thrive.