Tony Blackshaw, who has been Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education for the last three years, is stepping down today (8 June 2021). He will be replaced by Tracey Khodabandehloo, who recently retired from school leadership after 25 years as a head teacher in church schools.
Speaking about Tony’s commitment to the role of Chair, Ed Gregory, the diocese’s Director of Education, says, “I would like to express the most fulsome thanks to Tony as he steps down as Chair of the DBE. Tony has seen the DBE, and education in general, through some incredibly challenging times in his role as Chair. The DBE has really appreciated the fruit of Tony’s wisdom and leadership through this time. Having been involved in school leadership and diocesan education for many years Tony always grounded us in the value of the child and the importance of our Christian foundation. As a department and as fellow members of the DBE we thank Tony for all that he has brought to us. Our prayers go with him and his family.”
Bishop Ruth said of Tracey’s appointment, “It is a great pleasure to welcome Tracey to her new role. Her enthusiasm for learning and commitment to supporting schools, children and young people is infectious. We are delighted that she has chosen to serve the education department in this way and to share with us her many years of experience.
“We look forward to working with her to continue the wonderful work of the DBE as we strive to provide the best in both education provision and in growing the faith of our young people in Bath and Wells.”
Somerset is Tracey’s home; she was born here and completed her primary and secondary education in the county before moving to London for teacher training. She started her career in East London and then worked for several years as a deputy head in inner-city Bristol. Whilst there she completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Research at Bristol University.
Her first headship was at Trull Church of England VA Primary School. This was followed by the headship of Bishop Henderson Church of England VA Primary School, in Taunton. During her time at Bishop Henderson she was part of a team which set up one of the first primary school chaplaincies.
Tracey spent the last 10 years as head of Queen’s College Junior School, which is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) and was also a member of the Methodist Church Ethos Committee.
Alongside her working life, Tracey has always been an active member of All Saints’ Church in Trull and is on the PCC and also serves as a Foundation Governor at the local primary school and assists on the Christianity Explored course.
She says of her new role, “It is particularly rewarding to be focussing on high quality provision for children and young people in a Church of England setting. Supporting the Director of Education, staff and volunteers who work to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity to flourish in environments that are distinctly Christian is certainly a challenge I relish.
“I am looking forward to meeting and building relationships with Board of Education members, the Education and Go Team personnel and the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust staff over the coming months.”