Dr Sarah Wade announced as Principal of Rugby School Japan

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Sarah Wade as Principal of Rugby School Japan, starting in August 2026.

Dr Wade brings a wealth of international experience, having led schools in Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, following the start of her teaching career in the UK. Most recently, she served as Executive Principal of Amity International School Abu Dhabi, a thriving coeducational school of 1,700 students.

Holding a Doctorate in Education from the University of Bath and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, Dr Wade is passionate about holistic education and academic excellence. She is committed to Rugby’s ethos of developing “the whole person” and believes in nurturing character alongside achievement.

Dr Wade shares:

“I feel deeply honoured to join Rugby School Japan at such an exciting moment in its journey. Together, we have the opportunity to define what the very best of British education can look like within Japan’s rich cultural context.”

Rugby School’s Chairman of the Governing Body, Mr Nick Bacon comments:

“We are delighted to have secured the commitment of an educationalist with such a strong track record as the next Principal of Rugby School Japan, following Tony Darby’s success as the founding Principal. This is a historic moment for Rugby School Group as we grow globally from strength to strength.”

Dr Wade’s appointment marks a historic milestone as the first female Senior School Principal in Rugby’s history, fittingly during our celebration of ‘50 Years of Girls at Rugby School.’

We thank Mr Tony Darby for his outstanding leadership as founding Principal and look forward to welcoming Dr Wade in August 2026.