Teaching Staff

Darren Jones

Founding Headmaster, Ardingly Astana

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.

David Paget

Head of Primary 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 Griffin

Head of Secondary School

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.

Ashley Atkinson

Primary Class Teacher

Ashley Atkinson is an experienced primary educator with a strong background in early childhood and international education. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, including 2 years as Head of a Primary School.

Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Education (Leadership and Management).

She has expertise in international curricula and primary school leadership, supporting high-quality learning for diverse learners.

Roderick Coull

Primary Class Teacher

Roderick Coull graduated from The Robert Gordon University with an Honours degree in Applied Social Science before completing his PGDE (Primary) at the University of Dundee.

He completed his probationary year at Dunbar Primary School, the largest primary school in Scotland, and became a Full Member of the General Teaching Council of Scotland.

Roderick is a Primary Teacher at Ardingly Astana, where he is dedicated to fostering confident, independent learners in a supportive and structured classroom environment.

David Rose

Primary Class Teacher

David holds a BA (Hons) from the University of London and an MSc from the University of Nottingham, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). He has over eight years of experience teaching in international schools and is committed to delivering high-quality, pupil-centred education.

He is currently a Year 3 teacher at Ardingly Astana, where he focuses on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while creating engaging, pupil-centred learning experiences.

Sabrina Ratnam

Primary Class Teacher

Sabrina is an experienced Primary School teacher holding a Master’s degree in Education and currently pursuing a PhD in Education. She has taught in international schools across Malaysia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan and is now a Year 4 teacher at Ardingly Astana.

In her role, Sabrina supports diverse learners and creates engaging, inclusive learning environments that help pupils develop confidence, curiosity, and achieve their full potential.

Graham McClymont

Primary Class Teacher

Graham McClymont is an experienced primary educator with over 38 years of teaching experience across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Glasgow, a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Dundee, and a Diploma in Education.

Throughout his career, he has worked in a wide range of international educational settings, bringing deep classroom expertise and a strong understanding of primary education.

At Ardingly Astana, he teaches Year 5, focusing on building strong foundations in learning and supporting pupils to develop confidence, independence, and curiosity.

Andrew Stokes

Primary Class Teacher

Andrew Stokes has over 15 years of teaching experience across Reception to Year 7, including work as a peripatetic music teacher.

He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and has taught in a range of primary, junior, and secondary school settings.

Andrew brings versatility and creativity to his teaching, supporting pupils’ academic and personal development across different stages of their learning journey.

Shagufta Khan

Science Teacher & Head of Key Stage 3

Shagufta Khan is an experienced science educator and school leader with over 11 years of teaching experience in international schools in Kazakhstan. She is a UK-qualified teacher with a degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Roehampton.

At Ardingly Astana, Shagufta serves as Head of Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), where she leads academic and pastoral provision while continuing to teach Science. She is responsible for supporting pupils’ academic progress and overall development throughout lower secondary.

She is passionate about fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of science, and is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment in which every pupil can thrive and reach their potential.

Phillip Robinson

Mathematics Teacher

Phillip Robinson is a Mathematics teacher with over 20 years of experience in international schools. He is dedicated to helping pupils develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

Phillip holds an Honours degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and later completed his teacher training at the University of Bath, bringing real-world analytical expertise into the classroom.

Alison Pollard

ICT and CT Teacher

Alison Pollard is an experienced educator with over 10 years of international teaching experience in the UK, Russia, Sweden, and Kazakhstan.

At Ardingly Astana, she teaches ICT and Computing from Years 1 to 9, helping pupils develop digital literacy, creativity, and confidence in using technology.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary English Education with Qualified Teacher Status from Edge Hill University.

Alison is also currently completing the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Leading Teaching to further develop her pedagogical and leadership practice.

Helayna Witham

Teacher of Art & Design

Helayna Witham is an Art and Design teacher at Ardingly Astana. She holds a degree in Fine Art from Arts University Bournemouth, with a strong foundation in contemporary art practice, critical thinking, and visual experimentation.

Helayna delivers engaging, pupil-centred lessons that foster creativity, technical skills, and reflective practice. She is passionate about nurturing young artists and creating a supportive environment where pupils feel confident to explore and develop their individual artistic voice.

Gulzhan Domayeva

Kazakh Language Teacher

Gulzhan Domayeva is a Kazakh language teacher with experience in international education. She has worked with IB PYP and MYP programmes, as well as project-based learning, supporting pupils in developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Since 2024, she has been teaching Kazakh at Ardingly Astana, bringing an engaging and interactive approach to language learning. Her lessons help pupils build confidence in speaking Kazakh and develop a deeper understanding of language and culture.

She is committed to creating a supportive classroom environment where pupils enjoy learning and actively engage with Kazakh language and culture.

Aigerim Kaiyrgaliyeva

Kazakh Language Teacher

Aigerim Kaiyrgaliyeva is a Kazakh language teacher for secondary pupils at Ardingly Astana. She holds a Master’s degree in Kazakh Language and Literature from M. Otemisov University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Literary Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

She has experience working in both state and private schools and has taken part in international academic internships. In her teaching, she helps pupils develop a strong command of the Kazakh language, as well as an appreciation for literature and critical thinking.

She is passionate about guiding older pupils to engage more deeply with language, meaning, and interpretation.

Olga Zagorodnyaya

Russian Language Teacher & EAL Teacher

Olga Zagorodnyaya is an experienced educator with over 13 years of teaching experience in international schools, including Haileybury.

She holds a degree in English and German and has completed professional retraining at Lomonosov Moscow State University in teaching Russian to bilingual children.

Olga regularly develops her expertise in Russian language teaching methodology and has also completed studies at the University of Cambridge. In addition, she holds a TEYL qualification (Teaching English to Young Learners) from World TESOL Academy.

She brings extensive experience from international education into her work at Ardingly Astana.

Assema Talipova

Mandarin Teacher

Assema Talipova teaches Mandarin at Ardingly Astana across the primary and secondary school. She has over five years of experience in education and specialises in English and Chinese as foreign languages.

She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Xi’an International Studies University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

Alongside teaching, Assema has experience in curriculum development and the use of modern educational technologies. She helps pupils develop strong language skills and succeed in a multilingual learning environment.

Assiya Balymova

EAL Teacher

Assiya Balymova teaches English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Ardingly Astana. She has experience working in international schools, including Haileybury Astana.

She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Sunderland and a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology from Aktobe Regional State University.

As a qualified EAL specialist, Assiya supports multilingual learners through targeted interventions, helping them develop academic English proficiency and confidence across the curriculum. She is trained in second language acquisition, inclusive pedagogy, and language assessment.

Baidavlet Kassimbekov

EAL Teacher

Baidavlet Kassimbekov is an experienced EAL specialist with over 16 years of experience in international education. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading international organisations and schools, including Haileybury Almaty, QSI, and the British Council.

He holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Nazarbayev University and is a CELTA-qualified teacher.

At Ardingly Astana, Baidavlet teaches English as an Additional Language (EAL), helping students develop the language skills and confidence needed to succeed across the curriculum. He also contributes to curriculum development, drawing on his extensive experience in international education.

Mariyam Kamedenova

EAL Teacher

Mariyam Kamedenova is an EAL teacher at Ardingly Astana, supporting Secondary School pupils in developing the academic English skills needed to thrive across the curriculum.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages from Abai National Pedagogical University and a Master’s degree in Multilingual Education from the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University.

Drawing on her expertise in multilingual education, Mariyam helps pupils build confidence in their language abilities and succeed in an international learning environment.

Aigerim Makibayeva

Music teacher

Aigerim Makibayeva is a music teacher with over ten years of experience as a choirmaster, piano teacher, and vocal instructor.

She graduated from the Kazakh National University of Arts in 2016, specialising in Choral Conducting. Throughout her career, she has worked with leading cultural institutions in Kazakhstan, including Astana Opera, the National Military-Patriotic Centre, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

At Ardingly Astana, Aigerim inspires pupils to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation of music.

Azamat Suynshaliyev

PE Teacher

Azamat Suynshaliyev is a Physical Education teacher with a background in sport and fitness.

He holds a Bachelor's degree from Sh. Yessenov Caspian State University of Technology and Engineering, is a Master of Sport in Karate, and has a qualification in American football, as well as being a certified Personal Fitness Instructor.

At Ardingly Astana, Azamat encourages pupils to enjoy physical activity and develop healthy habits, confidence, resilience, and teamwork through sport.

He has also completed training in Adaptive Physical Education and Sensory Integration, helping to ensure that all pupils can participate fully and confidently in PE lessons.