Rugby School Head Master Gareth Parker-Jones has been appointed the Founding Master of Wellington College International Kenya, a new British international school set to open at Tatu City in September 2028.
Parker-Jones, one of Britain’s leading educators, will also serve as Head of Education at Rendeavour, the developer behind Tatu City, which is establishing the school in partnership with Wellington College.
He is expected to take up his new role a year before the school’s opening to oversee preparations and establish its academic direction.
His wife, Amanda Parker-Jones, has also been appointed Head of Teacher Development at the institution.
Parker-Jones currently heads Rugby School in the United Kingdom, where he has served since 2015. He became Head Master in 2020 after previously serving as Deputy Head in charge of academics.
Speaking following his appointment, Parker-Jones expressed confidence in the school’s potential to deliver international standards of education in Kenya.
“Backed by the scale, expertise and ambition of Rendeavour, Wellington Kenya is a great success story in international education, and I could not be prouder to lead it as Head of Education, Rendeavour, and Founding Master,” he said.
James Dahl, the 15th Master of Wellington College, welcomed the appointment, describing Parker-Jones as an accomplished education leader whose experience would be instrumental in establishing the new school.
“Gareth is one of the UK’s leading heads and has had a transformational impact at Rugby School, raising standards, developing a vibrant and growing family of schools in England and around the world,” Dahl said.
The school will accommodate learners aged three to 18, offering both day and boarding options from its opening.
Situated on 30 acres within Tatu City, the institution will feature modern science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facilities, a 50-metre swimming pool, a certified athletics track and boarding houses.
Rendeavour Founder and CEO Stephen Jennings said the appointment reflects the developer’s ambition to establish a leading international school in East Africa.
“Great cities are built around great institutions, and world-class education is central to attracting families, employers, and investment over the long term,” Jennings said.
Wellington College International Kenya will become the second Wellington College school in Africa, alongside Wellington College International Lagos in Nigeria.
It will join a wider international network of 12 premium British schools operating across several countries, including the UK, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and the United States.
The new institution is expected to attract learners from Kenya and across the region, offering families access to British international education without having to send their children abroad.
Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.
news@nairobilens.ke
