The Kellett School Board of Governors is delighted to announce the arrival of new Principal & CEO Paul Tough
The Kellett School Board of Governors is delighted to announce the arrival of new Principal & CEO Paul Tough
Already a familiar face to many in Discovery Bay, Paul Tough is back in Hong Kong, ready to start a new chapter as Principal & CEO of Kellett School. Paul is returning from Japan where he spent five years as Principal at The British School in Tokyo, prior to that he gained senior leadership experience at Island School, West Island School and, of course, Discovery Bay International School (DBIS), where he was Principal for five years.
Ask Paul how his time at Hong Kong schools has prepared him for his position at Kellett, and he says: “Through 25 years living and working in Asia, I think I have gained a deep appreciation of different outlooks, perspectives and cultures. I feel that I have a deep understanding of international education in Hong Kong. Also, an appreciation for the needs of students, parents and staff within international school communities in Hong Kong.
“Hong Kong international schools are some of the best in the world as they marry a rigorous curriculum with innovation in teaching. They are at the forefront of education developments,” Paul adds. “They also place great value on a well-rounded, holistic education for students which enables them to become confident and well-prepared for the challenges of modern life.”
A co-ed, British international through-school founded in 1976, Kellett has a long and illustrious history, and Paul says he feels “privileged and honoured” to be joining the community. “The school’s pedigree and history speak for themselves, and its reputation extends internationally. Awarded outstanding by BSO, Kellett is the leading British international school in Hong Kong, admired far and wide. Above all, it is a strong community committed to positively contributing to the success of the Kellett families and the broader society in Hong Kong.”
International Perspective
Ask Paul, what first drew him to education, and the answer is simple: “Teaching and education have been a part of my life since I can remember, as my parents were secondary school teachers. My passion for history, English literature and sports derived from school and the influence of several inspirational teachers. One of my best teachers, Mr Pretty, taught me history at school and to this day I remember him telling me two things: never be afraid to fail, and always treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.”
Paul has a Master of Arts degree from Cardiff University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Swansea University; he knew from an early age that he wanted to teach. He taught in the UK for two years after graduating from university, in Llandrindod Wells, a rural part of Wales, before relocating to Hong Kong in 1999. “The move happened by chance when I saw an advert for a job at Island School in the Times Educational Supplement,” he explains. “The school’s Principal at that time was David James, who by luck, was Welsh, a history teacher and shared my love of rugby.”
The Hong Kong posting may have come about by chance but Paul’s decision to specialise in international school education, working with students whose first language is not always English, can be traced back to his own childhood. “I attended both a primary and secondary school that taught through the Welsh language and not in English,” he explains. “Only at university did I study and learn through the medium of English.”
Educational Philosophy
Kellett School prides itself on educating students both in the classroom and beyond, and this holistic approach is something Paul strongly advocates. “Educating the whole child is essential,” he says. “Students must be able to pursue their passions and interests and have a broad and balanced experience at school. British international schools are experts in providing a wide variety of opportunities for students in traditional areas of the curriculum and beyond. They also support students with a pastoral approach that is second to none.”
Paul doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to prioritising holistic experiences – he walks the walk too. While admitting that his longdistance running career and rugby-playing days are in the past, he is looking forward to supporting Kellett teams as they compete locally and internationally.
Paul is equally committed to inclusion in education, feeling strongly that all students should be supported to succeed at school. “It is incumbent for schools to differentiate and provide different learning pathways for students,” he says. “Equally, the richness and cultural diversity of an international school such as Kellett are fundamental to its success and should be celebrated at every turn. It is also essential for schools such as ours to celebrate differences and ensure everyone feels included and valued for who they are as individuals.”
Finally then, what are Paul’s first impressions of Kellett? “Dynamic, progressive and aspirational: Kellett is a school that has a strong sense of self and of its place in Hong Kong, leading British international education.”