One of the United Kingdom’s leading school leaders, Gareth Parker-Jones, has been appointed the founding master of Wellington Kenya, more than a year before the new school opens in September 2028.
Parker-Jones, who has a background in boarding education and previously led Rugby School, will be joined by his wife, Amanda Parker-Jones, who has been appointed Head of Teacher Development.
The school is being developed by Rendeavour, in partnership with Wellington College, and will become the second Wellington College Education school in Africa after Wellington College International Lagos.
It will form part of a global network of 12 British schools across countries including the UK, China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and the United States.
Parker-Jones says Wellington Kenya would combine the heritage of the Wellington name with the expertise and investment of Rendeavour, describing the project as an opportunity to create a world-class school in East Africa.
The school will offer both day and boarding education, with boarding expected to play a central role in its community and pastoral life from its opening.
Wellington College’s 15th Master, James Dahl described Parker-Jones as an experienced school leader who had made a significant impact at Rugby School and within its wider international education network.
Rendeavour Founder and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Jennings says the appointment reflects the company’s ambition to establish a leading international school in Kenya.
Jennings saysworld-class education was increasingly important in attracting families, employers and investment, adding that Wellington Kenya would seek to combine Wellington’s international educational heritage with a strong local identity.
The school is being built as part of Rendeavour’s wider development plans in Kenya, with the developer positioning education as a key institution in the growth of its communities.
Wellington Kenya is expected to serve families in Kenya and the wider East African region, offering an alternative to families who might otherwise consider sending children abroad for international schooling.