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The King Edward VI Foundation is delighted to announce that Sajid Gulzar has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Sajid was born, raised and educated in Birmingham and is a passionate advocate for the city and its children and communities. He is currently Principal of Kings’ School Al Barsha in Dubai, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to his current role, Sajid was CEO and Executive Headteacher of the Prince Albert Community Trust for eight years, overseeing the multi-academy trust’s six primary schools and one secondary school, all located within Birmingham. Before this, he was Executive Headteacher of the Federation of Prince Albert and Heathfield Schools in Aston. Sajid was educated at Hodge Hill Comprehensive School, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. He was made an OBE for services to education in 2019.
Sajid’s appointment follows a competitive, multi-stage recruitment process which attracted a strong field of candidates. He will take up his role on 1 January 2027.

Sajid is keen to get to know staff, governors, partners and, of course, pupils, as he settles into his new role, and feels honoured to be taking the helm just before the Foundation’s 475th anniversary year.

Sajid Gulzar said: "I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the King Edward VI Foundation. Birmingham is a city that has shaped my life, giving me opportunities, shaping my values and reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of education. To return and lead an institution that has served the city with such distinction for generations is therefore both humbling and deeply meaningful.

“The Foundation represents the very best of education: a commitment to excellence, character and opportunity, alongside a determination to ensure that young people from all backgrounds can thrive. Its impact extends far beyond its schools, transforming lives and strengthening communities across Birmingham and beyond.

“I look forward to working with the Foundation community to build on this remarkable legacy. Together, we will be relentlessly ambitious for the children and families we serve, ensuring that every young person can flourish and that the Foundation continues to set the standard for educational excellence, opportunity and social justice.”

Erica Conway, Deputy Chair and Chair Elect of the Foundation Board, said: “Sajid’s Birmingham roots, professional experience of teaching in and leading local schools and belief in the transformative power of education across state and independent, comprehensive and selective schools mean that the Foundation’s aspiration for Birmingham to be the best place to be educated in the UK has a particular resonance for him. He will become our CEO as we begin delivery of our 2026-31 strategy, building on the learn with us, work with us and partner with us pillars that provide a framework for how, collaboratively across all parts of our organisation, we impact the lives of children and colleagues across our city.

“We also continue to place on record our sincere thanks to our outgoing CEO Jodh Dhesi as he leads us during his final few months in post before taking up a new position closer to home.”