Bushra Ali, Plashet school headteacher is to retire after 20 years at the school

One of Newham’s longest serving head teachers is stepping down from her post after nearly 20 years.

Bushra Nasir will be leaving the East Ham school where she first arrived as deputy head in 1990 on December 21.

She was promoted to head teacher in 1993 when the school had a GCSE pass rate of just 28 per cent. This year the results for the all girls Plashet School in Plashet Grove were 82 per cent 5 GCSE passes.

Mrs Nasir, 60, said turning 60 in November this year had been pivotal in her decision to step down. She said: “I wanted to retire when the school was at the top. We have had two outstanding OFSTED inspections and it really is at its peak.

“I have always had a clear vision for the school: I wanted Plashet to be a school where I would want to send my own children. In 1993 I would not have. I would today.

“The pace of headship is phenomenal and I have four beautiful grandchildren, a husband and my mother and I want to spend more quality time with my family.”

Mrs Nasir, who was born in Pakistan, came to the UK in 1960. She became the first female Muslim head teacher in the country and has been pro active in presenting a positive role model for other Muslim women.

She was chosen by former Prime Minister Tony Blair to sit on a committee looking at engaging with Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11.

She will be replaced by Rachel McGowan.

Cllr Quintin Peppiatt, Executive Member for Children and Young People at Newham Council, said: “Bushra is one of our long standing and most experienced headteachers. She has inspired a generation of young girls who left Plashet School with high qualifications. I wish her all the best in the future.”