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This April, when Paul Tough officially takes over as the new Principal & CEO of Kellett School, he will bring a wealth of experience to the role, but also the drive to keep making improvements which reflect Hong Kong’s evolving educational landscape.
“I am excited about working with a strong, supportive community to ensure the school’s continued success,” says Tough. “I feel privileged and honoured to become part of that community, which is committed to making a positive and lasting contribution to the lives of students, their families, and broader aspects of society in Hong Kong.”
Prior to this latest appointment, Tough was Principal of The British School in Tokyo and, before that, he held the equivalent role at Discovery Bay International School in Hong Kong, where he became fully familiar with the city, its education system, and the standards expected.
While there, he also learned exactly what it takes to run an independent not-for-profit school which uses the English curriculum. And Kellett is now set to benefit from all that accumulated know-how and experience.
“It is great to be coming back to Hong Kong, which I regard as a second home,” Tough says. “I am doing so because I see joining Kellett as a real opportunity and, for me, the school’s international reputation is a huge draw.”
Originally founded in 1976, Kellett can by now lay a claim to a long and illustrious history as the British International School in Hong Kong. This is based on teaching children from ages 4-18 (Reception to Year 13) and, at all times, emphasising a clear ethos and educational philosophy.
On the campuses in Pok Fu Lam and Kowloon Bay, the present total of around 1,500 students can feel secure, valued, and ready to enjoy the adventure of learning both in the classroom and beyond.
For teaching staff, the aim is to create an environment which is stimulating and challenging, with a view to setting and achieving high academic expectations.
To this end, the English National Curriculum, followed in the Prep and Senior schools, covers a broad range of subjects, while also allowing sufficient time for expressive arts, sports and innovation. Specific course content is reviewed and updated on a regular basis in order to move with the times and take account of changing needs.
That is essential because Kellett is in the “future business”, which means preparing students to take their place in a world where technology will play an ever bigger role and individuals must be able to adapt, innovate, and keep learning.
Accordingly, the school puts significant emphasis on soft skills like problem solving and showing resilience, and lessons on general well-being are now embedded in the curriculum.
Results achieved by students in recent IGCSE and A-level exams have been outstanding, and that overall status was also confirmed by a BSO (British Schools Overseas) visit and inspection report conducted in 2023.
“The school’s pedigree and history speak for themselves, and are admired far and wide,” Tough says. “Much stems from the combination of a rigorous curriculum, which has both depth and breadth, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. In addition, there is a strong sense that this is a school which is always striving for excellence.”
As he settles into his new role in the weeks and months ahead, Tough will make getting to know the students, staff and parent groups a top priority. But he will also be on the lookout for areas or activities which could benefit from closer attention or progressive changes.
“I want to understand the DNA of the school and its culture as quickly as possible, and be seen to have a hands-on, visible and supportive approach,” he says. “In my view, ensuring all decisions are centred on what’s best for our students is paramount.”
No doubt, that will continue to mean giving pupils responsibility for organising event and volunteer activities, as well as leading projects focused on health, diversity, sustainability, and climate change.
“The international schools in Hong Kong are some of the best in the world, and they are often at the forefront of key developments in their field,” Tough says. “Importantly too, they place great value on providing a well-rounded, holistic education. This gives students the necessary skills, attributes and confidence so they are well-prepared for the challenges of modern life.”
Dr Silvia Pezzini, Chair of the parent-led Board of Governors, is quick to endorse those sentiments.
“Overall, we want to ensure that each and every student here develops a love of learning and confidence for life,” she says. “We have very much looked forward to welcoming Paul Tough to Kellett, and have every confidence that he will further cement our position as one of the leading British international schools in the world.”
