Kellett School is welcoming a new face! PAUL TOUGH joins this British school as the Principal & CEO in April 2024. We chat to the incoming head about his return to education in Hong Kong from Japan, his vision to support the school’s inclusive education and what he’s looking forward to in his new role.
Tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from originally, and what made you decide on a career in education?
I’m from South Wales, though part of my family is Greek. My parents were secondary school teachers, and I was inspired by both of them to follow in their footsteps. I was educated in a Welsh language primary and secondary school in South Wales. Following this, I attended three Welsh universities where I secured a BA (Hons) in History, an MA in History and a teaching qualification. Education has always been a solid and present feature in my life, as my parents were secondary school teachers.
I began my teaching career in a rural part of Wales called Llandrindod Wells. After two years, I moved to Hong Kong and joined Island School. I was fortunate at the time as the then new Principal of Ialsan School, David James, was a Welshman who taught History and enjoyed rugby just like me!
This isn’t your first stint in Hong Kong – when were you here previously and where did you go after that?
I first arrived in Hong Kong in 1999 and left in 2019 to join The British School in Tokyo as their new Principal. Before the move to Japan, I had been Head of School at DBIS for 5 years and deputy Principal at West Island School for 7 years. I began my career with Island School just before the turn of the millennium.
What were a couple of highlights of your time in Tokyo?
The biggest highlight has been working on planning and opening BST’s new primary school campus in the city’s centre across the road from Tokyo Tower. The building has been part of Tokyo’s biggest urban redevelopment project for 30 years and was designed by the British architect Thomas Heatherwick Studio. It’s a stunning building that has opened up many possibilities and opportunities for the BST community.
I was also pleased that during my time at BST, we ensured that the school was a genuinely high-performing inclusive school, with the secondary continuing to secure excellent examination results while introducing an alternative curriculum pathway throughout leading to BTEC qualification in the Senior School.
Also, collaborating with various Japanese educational institutions to promote British international education and gain an understanding of different cultural perspectives was a great experience.
What made you excited to take up the new principal role at Kellett School?
Kellett has an outstanding reputation as a leader of British international education in Hong Kong and Asia. With nearly 50 years of success as a high-performing community school, the opportunity to join couldn’t be missed. I am really looking forward to supporting Kellett in its next chapter of development, and I’m eager to ensure every student’s potential is achieved, parents’ expectations are met, and staff are professionally fulfilled. If I can play a role in achieving these priorities, I will be delighted.
Any particular changes the British school can look forward to with you at the helm?
My role is to advocate for the school and provide a steady hand on the tiller. The school has been through much change over several years and is in an excellent position leading British international education in the region. It has successfully combined academic rigour, a holistic approach to inclusive education and innovative pedagogy. I will aim to maintain this trajectory and ensure I listen to our community’s needs and aspirations. I’m here to serve the Kellett community and bring to bear my 20 years of experience in leadership and education in Hong Kong to ensure the school community’s continued success.
What are some characteristics of a good head of school?
Someone who listens and is empathetic, works alongside others, empowers and trusts, and is visible and present. Someone authentic who has good judgment and is values-driven. Above all, someone who ensures that student outcomes are at the centre of every decision.
If you weren’t in education in Hong Kong you would be …
I would like to have been a professional sportsman as I love football, rugby, athletics and cricket. The thought of being a professional cricketer and a batsman at that would be incredible. Facing each ball bowled at you with concentration and determination would give me great satisfaction.
When you’re not busy with school stuff, you like to…
I love reading, travelling, watching sports and meeting friends.
What are you looking forward to at Kellett for the rest of 2024?
I look forward to getting to know the community and understanding the school’s culture. I also look forward to meeting students, parents and staff and working with the Board and leadership team. It’s a privilege to join the Kellett community, and I want to repay the trust shown in me by ensuring the school goes from strength to strength. The school’s strong community must continue to be harnessed in the interests of Kellett students, present and future. As you can imagine, coming from South Wales and having Greek heritage, I find family and community crucial. I want to ensure that these priorities remain at the core of the Kellett experience for all.
Kellett School
Kowloon Bay Prep School – Reception to Y6 & Senior School (Year 7-13)
7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay
Pok Fu Lam Prep Campus – Reception to Y6
2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam
3120 0700 | kellettschool.com
This article about the new Principal at Kellett School fostering an inclusive education in Hong Kong is an EL online exclusive. You can find more features like this in Expat Living print magazine – subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
