Hamid Patel, CEO of Star Academies, who hails from an Indian origin Gujarati Muslim Family with ancestors from South Gujarat, has made history by being awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Patel is the head of one of Bradford’s biggest academy chains which runs six schools in the district. Barkerend Primary, Eden Boys’, High Crags Primary, Laisterdyke, Thornbury Primary and Tong Leadership Academies are all part of the Star Academies Trust.
Patel was awarded a CBE in 2015 when the multi academy trust comprised just 7 schools. Since then, Star has grown to 29 schools (including 11 sponsored academies) with a pupil population of over 18,000. 14 of the schools have been graded outstanding by Ofsted.
Hamid’s leadership of a collaboration of partners galvanised rebuilding of the education infrastructure in a deprived part of Birmingham, resulting in a much better deal for young people. Hamid’s brainchild StarLine was born out of the Covid-19 crisis, co-ordinating the expertise of 21 MATs and parenting organisations with 165 active volunteers. Hamid was appointed as a non-executive member of the Ofsted Board in 2019.
Speaking to a news portal, Blackburn based Hamid Patel said, “This is a tribute for all those who have worked so hard at Star Academies whose care, diligence and passion continue to inspire young people and nurture tomorrow’s leaders.
“All those involved with our schools at every level – our talented teachers, and our supportive parents, governors and wider community – have made a telling contribution to the positive impact we have had on the lives of so many children and young people. The last 16 months have arguably been the hardest that any of us working in education have experienced but we, like those across the sector, have continued to put our pupils first, prioritising their wellbeing and giving them the best academic, extra-curricular and social opportunities.”
