When Iqra Parvez first joined the Margaret McMillan School of Education, she started out on the Primary Education with QTS route. But she quickly realised primary teaching wasn’t the right fit for her.
“I soon realised that age range was not for me… With the encouragement and guidance of my tutors and Head of Course Shasta, I made the decision to transfer to the Education Studies BA (Hons) programme.”
That single decision changed everything. It gave her the flexibility she’d been looking for and, as she puts it, “allowed me to flourish both academically and personally.”
Iqra already knew Bradford College well as she had completed an Access course there a few years earlier, but returning as a degree student felt different. She chose it because of its supportive environment and knowledgeable lecturers:
“The School of Education was very robust and supportive… I was drawn to the approachable tutors and class sizes, which made me feel confident I would be encouraged to succeed.”
Finding tutors she could relate to also mattered. “I wanted lecturers that come from a similar cultural background as I did so I could relate with them more.”
Her inspiration to pursue a career in education came from wanting to make a difference, and from the impact of her own tutors. “I realised what my tutors did for me that stemmed beyond the classroom, and that is what I wanted for the future generation.”
After completing her degree, Iqra went on to study a PGCE in Secondary Science specialising in Biology. This combined her love of science with her desire to help young learners grow.
That path led her somewhere she never expected: Qatar.
Today, Iqra works abroad as a Secondary Science Teacher, specialising in Biology. Moving overseas was a bold decision, but one she has never regretted. “It is one of the best decisions I made… Teaching in an international environment has broadened my perspective.” She loves the work‑life balance it offers and the opportunity to teach students from different cultural backgrounds.
She’s clear about the role Bradford College played in helping her reach this point. “The college provided me with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress in education.”
Her course placements and variety of modules made a lasting impact too, especially her dissertation on AI in education: “I utilise AI in my classroom to enhance learning… it’s something I want to continue studying in the future.”
One thing she carries with her every day is Bradford’s approach to making learning meaningful. “Breaking down complex concepts and using hands-on experiments has influenced how I plan lessons… It taught me the importance of connecting theory with real-world examples.”
For Iqra, what truly set Bradford College apart was its people. “The support is unmatched… I am so grateful to all my tutors, but especially Paul Fox-Cannell, Shasta Khan and Clare Benson. They go above and beyond for their students.”
Looking back at her journey, including the big changes in direction, it has shaped the educator she is today. “Every step, even those that begin with change, can lead to greater growth and opportunity.”
And for anyone thinking about following in her footsteps, she has simple but powerful advice: “You’re going to be part of an exciting adventure.”
Today, as a reflective and passionate educator in Qatar, Iqra can see just how much each step of her journey shaped the next. Bradford College didn’t just prepare her for a career, it opened the door to a global opportunity she once never imagined.
Find out how to get into teaching with Bradford College here.