Jonathan Hughes D’Aeth

Jonathan has over 23 years’ experience of leading schools in the UK and the UAE. In his last role as Chief Education Officer of Evolvence Knowledge Investments (EKI) based in Dubai, he was responsible for the line management of the UAE Repton UK-branded schools and the associated chains of nurseries spread over seven different sites. In addition, he was involved in the planning of the expansion of the Repton brand into other GCC countries.

Jonathan first moved to the region when he was appointed as Headmaster (Principal) of Repton School Dubai in 2010. During his time as Head it grew to over 2,300 pupils from 70 different nationalities, encompassing EYFS to Year 13 in a mix of English curriculum and IB diploma programmes. He learnt much about working in the ‘for-profit sector’ and how to manage schools to be both academically and financially successful.

Prior to his role at Repton, Jonathan was Headmaster of Milton Abbey School in Dorset for more than 15 years. A strong advocate of boarding, Jonathan also played an active role as a committee member of the Boarding Schools Association (including a year as Chairman).

Educated at Haileybury College before studying Geography at Liverpool University, and Queens’ College Cambridge, Jonathan began his career teaching at Rugby School for 16 years and spent five of those years as a Housemaster. In his spare time, he served as a reserve Infantry Officer in the Territorial Army for 23 years.

He has been a Governor of an IAPS School and continues to serve as a member of the Education committee of an HMC School. Still living and working in Dubai, Jonathan advises on school establishment and inspection training and preparation projects.