Gemma Lowe

BA (Hons) Business Studies and Postgraduate Certificate in Business Education 

“As the first in my family to attend university, I understand first-hand the transformative power of education and the doors it can open. This personal experience underpins my strong commitment to social mobility and is why working for the Affinity Learning Partnership, with its focus on everyone succeeding, thriving and belonging, resonates so deeply with me.”

My passion for education began early. After developing a natural flair and love for Business Studies at GCSE, I went on to study Business Studies, Theatre Studies and German at A level. From a young age, I was clear that I wanted to become a teacher, sharing my enthusiasm for learning through subjects I genuinely loved.

After qualifying as a teacher of Business Studies, ICT and German, I secured a teaching role at an outstanding school. I progressed quickly into leadership, becoming a middle leader after just one year. I continued in this role within a newly established Sixth Form Centre, before going on to secure 13 years of senior leadership experience across three schools.

I joined Granville Academy in 2020 as part of the leadership team and have played a key role in driving significant progress across the school. This includes improvements in curriculum design, behaviour and attitudes, teaching and learning, safeguarding and personal development. I now feel privileged to serve as Principal of Granville Academy.

Granville Academy is a special place—one where there is a shared understanding that positive relationships are a prerequisite for learning. It is a school where staff and students are known, listened to and genuinely cared for. I would not want to work anywhere else and am delighted to be in the driving seat as we continue the school’s upward trajectory.

Remaining the school of choice for our local community is a clear priority for me and I remain fully committed to ensuring Granville Academy continues to succeed, whilst also being outward facing and collaborating with Trust schools and those that are external to the Trust. Our Attendance and Behaviour Hub Rise status allows us to do this, whilst also learning from the networking and collaborative opportunities that are presented.