About us
Education, families and community, connected
GAP Education is a Bradford charitable organisation founded on the belief that education, family wellbeing and community opportunity are deeply connected.
Who we are
We are developing an inclusive, community-informed charity that will work with children, young people, parents, carers and adults who face barriers to learning and participation.
Our charitable purposes are educational, family and community-focused. Our planned work covers learning support and mentoring for young people, parent education and peer support, and community activities that build wellbeing, belonging and skills.
We will begin with GAP Families, learning directly from local parents and carers before expanding into further programmes.
Meet our founder
Ifza Shakoor
Founder, GAP Education · Educator and Educational Leader
GAP Education was born from a belief shaped by my experiences as a learner, teacher, educational leader and mother: potential should never be limited by a lack of understanding, opportunity or support.
Growing up, I experienced what it meant to be labelled rather than understood. Despite achieving the top marks in Year 6, I was told by a teacher that my success was a fluke. It was a word I didn't even understand at the time, yet one that stayed with me for years.
Thankfully, another teacher later helped me recognise my potential and rebuild my confidence.
Years later, receiving an ADHD diagnosis during my PhD journey helped me understand so much about my earlier experiences in education.
As a teacher, I made a commitment never to make a child question their worth because of my words. I believe that all behaviour is communication, and that understanding must come before judgement.
My experiences as a mother, particularly supporting my eldest son through his own educational challenges, have only strengthened that conviction.
I founded GAP Education to help create the understanding, encouragement and opportunities that can make a lasting difference to children, families and communities.
Because sometimes the difference between where someone is and where they could be is the bridge that has yet to be built.
Potential is not always the problem. Sometimes, what is missing is the bridge.Read Our Founder's Story →
A community where every individual has the support, confidence and opportunity to learn, belong and thrive.
To bridge gaps in education and opportunity through inclusive learning, family support and community development, helping individuals and communities make meaningful and lasting progress.
Our values
Our values
Equity
People face different barriers and may need different kinds of support to reach the same opportunities.
Inclusion
We create accessible, respectful and welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued.
Empowerment
We work with people, not just for them, building on their strengths and experience.
Collaboration
Better outcomes come when families, educators, professionals and communities work together.
Integrity
We are committed to good governance, safeguarding, transparency and the careful use of charitable resources.
Belonging
Positive relationships and real participation are essential to individual and community wellbeing.
Governance
Our founding trustees
GAP Education is being established as a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Our trustee board is responsible for strategy, governance, safeguarding, financial stewardship and making sure our activities advance our charitable purposes.
- Shaheen AkhtarChair
- Abdul Ghafoor AjaibDeputy Chair
- Mohammed HakeemTreasurer
- Gulnaz AkhtarSafeguarding Trustee Lead
GAP Education is preparing its application to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It is not yet a registered charity, and our charity number will be published here once registration is confirmed. Operational safeguarding appointments will be confirmed before any services begin.
Our future
The GAP Community Hub
Our long-term ambition is a GAP Community Hub in Bradford: an accessible space where education, family support and community activities come together. It is a future aspiration, not an existing facility. Read more about the Hub.