HE IS the son of a miner, who grew up with the strong message education was the key to success.
And Andy Grace, the new principal of the Boulevard Academy, has a set of educational ideals which he insists will see no child left behind.
Passionate and dedicated to the new academy, he says he is determined to get the best for the children in the west Hull community it will primarily serve.
Mr Grace grew up just down the M62 in the small town of Ossett in West Yorkshire.
His schooling all took place within 300 yards of his front door, attending the local primary school before going to Ossett School.
He puts his success today down to a strong belief from his parents that education is paramount.
"One thing my mum and dad insisted on was that we did go to school," said Mr Grace.
"They weren't particularly well educated themselves but they had a belief in education.
"My dad said he earned his living by getting his hands dirty but he wanted life to be better for me and my family.
"I was the first of the nine to go to university, it changes lives."
Like many youngsters, Mr Grace was inspired by one teacher at his school.
"He was the person who got me to stay on in education and go into sixth form.
"He was my PE teacher and it was sport that I was interested in.
"It was sport for me but for others, it could be something else like music or drama.
"I wouldn't have gone on just for maths and English and the person who pushed me was my PE teacher."
Having been headteacher at a large secondary school and principal at an academy, Mr Grace says he is keen to work in Hull and make a difference to children's lives.
"I came up to Hull and did my homework before I got the job," he said.
"I was in a position where I could choose.
"I knew if I was going to do anywhere near a decent job here, I would have to connect with the community.
"I could see a lot of young people moving out of their community to go to school.
"They are travelling sometimes quite a long way and there seemed to be a bit of a hole."
The idea for a school in the Hessle Road area was borne from a request from parents in the area.
Set to open in September, classes will be no bigger than 20 pupils.
Mr Grace says his focus will be to make sure every child achieves what they can and more.
"You have got to have high expectations for kids. For some children whose parents don't have the ability at home, we have to provide that for them at school," he said.
"The higher the expectations, the higher the students will achieve and that is what every parent would want for their child.
"I hope that the young children from the Boulevard go onto Oxford and Cambridge. "The real key thing for us is they go onto further education or into work or training.
"We want 100 per cent of the children to do that, not 99 per cent. If you say 99 per cent then who do you give up on?
"That's not me, it's not what I do because that could have been me at school.
"Someone could have given up on Andy Grace.
"I want parents to trust me to know that the Boulevard Academy will make sure their child reaches their potential, what ever their potential is.
"Parents want the best for their children and we want to help them to get that.
"Parents who have chosen the Boulevard did so in November. "There was no building and no headteacher so they obviously had an idea about what they want for their child.
"It was a leap of faith for them, but it is clear they aspire to something for their children.
"What I want to do is to exceed their expectations.
"They want something for their child and it is our responsibility to deliver it."
With the absence of a school, Mr Grace is basing himself at the Hessle Road Network.
Anyone who wants to talk to him about sending their child to the school or for more information can do so on 07710022799.
He has also started a blog which can be read at www.theboulevard academy.co.uk if you want to learn more about his plans.
