Meet Paul Tough, the new Principal & CEO at Kellett School
Kellett School welcomes Paul Tough as its new Principal & CEO from April 2024. He discusses an exciting school year ahead with editorial director Gemma ShawPaul Tough joins Kellett School as Principal & CEO this month. The move sees him return to Hong Kong after five years as Principal at The British School in Tokyo. Mr Tough takes over from the interim Principal & CEO, Diana Vernon, who will be returning to the UK and resuming her role as Educational Adviser on the Board.
Mr Tough’s move to Kellett School sees him return to Hong Kong from Japan, where he has spent the past five years as Principal at The British School in Tokyo (BST). Before his post in Japan, Mr Tough was the Principal at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) in Hong Kong, an independent not-for-profit school similar to Kellett in ethos and educational philosophy, which also follows the English curriculum.
What attracted you to return to Hong Kong?
Before moving to Japan in 2019, I lived and worked in Hong Kong for 20 years. As such, it is my second home, and I have a great affinity for Hong Kong and its people. When the opportunity arose to return and join such an outstanding school community as Kellett, I couldn’t let it pass.
More specifically, what attracted you to the role at Kellett School?
Kellett is an outstanding school recognised globally for excellence in education. The School’s reputation for innovation and creativity in teaching goes before it. With nearly 50 years of tradition, Kellett is also a school with a strong sense of community and enduring roots in the fabric of international education in Hong Kong. The prospect of playing a role in the next chapter of success was too much to resist.
Can you share a career highlight?
I was proud to contribute to introducing a bespoke secondary school curriculum in Years 7-11 at West Island School called the Middle Years Diploma and setting up the Senior School at DBIS with both an A-Level and BTEC programme.
Can you share your experience leading an international school in Japan?
The highlight of my time at BST has been the building and opening a new Primary School campus next to Tokyo Tower. Collaborating with the British architect Thomas Heatherwick Studio to create such an iconic and innovative school campus in the city’s centre was thrilling. The challenge posed by COVID was, of course, significant as it was for most schools worldwide. Leading the school community through the pandemic was something I could not have envisaged when I moved to Tokyo only a few months before. It was great to see the sense of community and mutual support from staff, students and parents that ensued.
The depth and breadth of curriculum, a strong sense of community, its history and pedigree as one of the leading schools in Hong Kong and Asia.
In your view, what sets Kellett School apart from other leading schools in the region?
The depth and breadth of curriculum, a strong sense of community, its history and pedigree as one of the leading schools in Hong Kong and Asia. The combination of a rigorous curriculum and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. A school that is always striving for excellence and where a strong sense of community is predominant.
What’s in store for your first term at Kellett?
I want to get to know the community and build connections, including engaging with students, teachers, staff, and parents through various events, activities, and daily interactions. I want to understand the School’s DNA and culture as quickly as possible and take a hands-on, visible, and supportive approach. Ensuring all decisions are centred on what’s best for our students is paramount.
How will you approach parent involvement and communication in your new position at Kellett?
Kellett’s parents play a unique role in the School. Founded by parents almost 50 years ago, Kellett remains parent-governed. I want to be seen as approachable, a good listener, and empathetic. Getting involved and stuck in school life from the start will be essential. Ensuring that parents, staff, and students can meet and talk with me when necessary will be crucial to me. I am here to serve the community and ensure that every student in the School is known, cared for, and inspired to succeed.
What are you most excited about in the year ahead?
Getting to know the community, acting as a champion for the School in Hong Kong and beyond, and working with the community and other parties to ensure the School’s continued success.
What are your interests?
I am an avid reader and passionate about many sports, including football, rugby and athletics. I am a die-hard Tottenham Hotspur Fan and follow the team passionately.
How does expat life in Tokyo compare to Hong Kong? (Many of us expats would love to know!)
There are more similarities between Tokyo and Hong Kong than you would think. I guess the different scales of the cities are obvious, but like Hong Kong, Tokyo is a friendly, accessible, and fascinating place to live. The food is wonderful, and the richness of culture is unique.
I missed the vibrancy and pace of life in the city. The can-do spirit of the people of Hong Kong and their tenacity are special.
What did you miss about Hong Kong while you were away?
I missed the vibrancy and pace of life in the city. The can-do spirit of the people of Hong Kong and their tenacity are special. I also missed the ability to live in the city but, within a short time, be in the middle of nature, whether in the mountains or by the sea. I also missed the food; dim sum is one of my favourites. I love Hong Kong as it is my second home and where I feel most at ease and comfortable. I arrived in Hong Kong in 1999 and still have many friends here.
Kellett School Kowloon Bay Prep School [Reception to Y6] & Senior School [Year 7-13] is located at 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay. The Pok Fu Lam Prep campus [Reception to Y6] is located at 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam. To find out more, visit kellettschool.com.