An alumnus of Leeds Trinity University has been awarded Fellowship in the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), in recognition of his achievements and commitment to the teaching profession.

Daniel Copley, who studied for a BA Hons in Theology with QTS at Leeds Trinity University, was awarded the Fellowship in July. He was awarded Fellowship in light of his outstanding 17-year career in teaching, his leading work with the Catholic Schools Partnership, and his involvement with the Partnership Board for the Bradford Opportunity Area set up by the Department of Education.

As a Fellow, the highest and most prestigious category of membership at the Chartered College, Daniel will have a voice in cross-parliamentary debates on education. Speaking of the membership, he said: “The fellowship signifies a combination of work with a brilliant team in schools and brilliant people I get to work with in wider projects”.

Since graduating from Leeds Trinity University in 2002, Daniel has worked in education for two decades, following in the footsteps of his father and both grandfathers. He started his teaching career at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bingley. He first became Headteacher at St Francis Catholic Primary school aged 29, which at the time made him one of the youngest headteachers in the country.

Under Daniel’s leadership, the school transformed from one that was categorised in special measures and failing to meet Ofsted requirements, to consistently scoring ‘Good’ from Ofsted and ‘Outstanding’ in the inspection for Faith Schools in the Diocese of Leeds. He was appointed as Executive Headteacher of St Francis and St Cuthbert & The First Martyrs’ in 2015, the latter of which was the primary school he attended as a child.

Reflecting on his continued relationship with the University, Daniel said: “I believe that the support, personal coaching and mentoring I received when I was a student has kept me motivated. As an alumnus, I like the fact that I have a good professional relationship with Leeds Trinity, and love promoting the University to potential new student teachers as the guest speaker at the recruitment and interview days.”​

Brett Arnall, Alumni Officer at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I first met Daniel during the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at the House of Commons where he was keynote speaker. He spoke of how proud he was as a Leeds Trinity graduate and how the continued pastoral approach makes the University unique. The impact of his work on a local, regional and national level is incredible.”​