Darren Jones is a highly accomplished educational leader with 30 years of experience in prestigious schools across the UK, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Darren also has an Honours degree in Jazz, Contemporary, and Popular Music (GCLCM) and is a member of the Royal Society of Arts, the Chartered College of Teachers, and the Chartered Institute of Managers.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles in schools, leading on curriculum development and helping to shape learning environments that prioritise academic excellence and the all-round development of pupils.
Aibek is an accomplished school leader with degrees in History and Psychology and over a decade of experience in managing and developing schools across Kazakhstan.
He specializes in curriculum design, financial planning, and data-driven school management, ensuring high academic standards and pupil success.
He was trained in the USA and is committed to innovation and creating thriving, supportive learning environments.
Laura Myltkbayeva is Deputy General Director at Ardingly Astana, overseeing academic affairs and government relations.
She began her career as a teacher of Russian Language and Literature and has since built extensive experience in educational leadership.
Laura holds a degree in Russian Language and Literature, a Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, and a Master’s in Management and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield. She brings a strong combination of classroom experience and strategic leadership to the school.
David Paget is an experienced primary education leader with over a decade of experience in international schools in the UK, Middle East, and Asia.
Before joining Ardingly Astana, he served as Deputy Head of Primary at Modern English School, Cairo, where he led teaching and learning, assessment, safeguarding, and school reporting processes. He has also held senior leadership roles including Assistant Head Teacher and Year Team Leader.
David began his teaching career in the UK before moving into international education, working in schools in Mongolia and Egypt.
He holds a Master’s degree in Social History from the University of Plymouth, a PGCE in Primary Education, and the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
Christopher Griggin brings over 20 years of experience in education and school leadership across the UK and internationally. Prior to joining Ardingly Astana, he served as Deputy Head of Secondary in Cairo and previously held leadership roles including Assistant Headteacher, Director of Sixth Form, and Director of Creative Industries.
He holds a First-Class Honours degree and PGCE in Music from the University of Plymouth, as well as a Master’s degree in School-Based Leadership and Management with Distinction from the University of Buckingham. Christopher is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers and the Chartered Management Institute.
Christopher is passionate about creating a supportive and ambitious learning environment where every pupil feels known, challenged, and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
